Statement by the George River Water Quality Panel
The George River Water Quality Panel has sought and received approval to extend the deadline for the release of its investigation to the end of June, 2010.
The Panel was due to release its findings at the end of May but requested the extension of the deadline as it is yet to receive some outstanding information, which it has been advised will soon be available.
The Panel wished to consider this before it determines its final conclusions and recommendations to the Premier.
Panel Convenor, John Ramsay said the vast majority of the Panel’s review has been completed, but advice from the Director of Public Health indicated that he is in the final stages of preparing some updated health information on the Break O’Day Municipality and in particular, the St Helens community.
“The Panel considers it appropriate to consider this information before finalising its recommendations,” Mr Ramsay said.
Mr Ramsay said he understood that the delay may cause some concern amongst some interested parties but it was important to ensure the report is as comprehensive as possible.
“The Panel has had excellent co-operation from Drs Bleaney and Scammell in its review of their report and that has allowed an extension of consultation to a number of scientists and laboratories that undertook work for that report.
“This has also added to the amount of material that has had to be reviewed. There is also some outstanding laboratory information that is soon to be made available which the Panel wishes to consider.”
Mr Ramsay said he was confident, with the extension granted, the Panel would not be seeking any further extensions.
Mr John Ramsay
Convener
George River Water Quality Panel
