Dr Taylor, I think you need to present the facts on cancer rates in “the rest of Tasmania” more accurately.
The Report on “Health Needs Assessment of the Communities of Rosebery, Zeehan and Tullah” conducted in 2000 highlights some of the significant health problems for people living in West Coast mining towns.
It found that “54% more West Coast residents died from cancer compared to Tasmanians in other non-metropolitan areas of the state” and “admissions to public acute hospitals for treatment of bronchitis, emphysema and asthma ….was elevated by more than 35%” and “from circulatory disease (heart disease and stroke mainly)….66% more deaths than would normally be expected.”
What evidence Dr Taylor do you have that these appalling statistics are as a result of ‘lifestyle’ and not environmental pollution? In the 10 years since this report was released what independent research did your Department or the EPA conduct into cancer rates on the West Coast and any correlation with heavy metal poisoning? None?
The Toxic Heavy Metals Taskforce has made it abundantly clear the we have no confidence in the Department of Health or the EPA to conduct independent research into heavy metal contamination and poisoning in Rosebery given the failure of previous investigations.
Government science is frequently an excuse for lack of political will to have the courage to make the right decisions for our children’s future.
Now that we have two proposed Integrity Commission Inquiries for Rosebery and on E. Nitens toxicity it may be an opportune time and cost the taxpayer less, if these two investigations were included with one major “Inquiry into the Independence of the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Health and Human Services”.
