Published on Friday, 11 August 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
The Town of Port Hedland has welcomed today’s State Government announcement to release the 2016 Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce Report for public comment and community consultation.
The Report provides an overview of the dust issues in the town, in particular, the West End, and a summary of findings of the Health Risk Assessment, air quality monitoring and modelling. It also outlines the steps being taken by industry and regulators to mitigate dust issues and a series of recommendations for Government consideration.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation will hold a Community Open Day in early September, before reviewing submissions and providing final recommendations.
Mayor Camilo Blanco has endorsed the release of the full Report, and encouraged a whole of community response to address the long-standing issue.
“It’s encouraging to see the release of the Taskforce Report and the challenges of dust management being put back on the table,” he said.
“The Town has been working closely with our industry and the State Government partners to address all key issues. Specifically, we’ve been focusing on achieving a balance between the economic development of the West End, job creation and the environmental and social prosperity of the town".
“This issue is simply not going to go away. We need to look at a whole of community response, think outside the box and assign the best possible resources".
“Proactive risk management, buffering and leveraging the expertise and technology available, is vital to finding a fast and sustainable solution".
“’The release of the full report and scheduled Open Day provides a unique opportunity for our community to have a say and we strongly encourage everyone to become a part of the discussion.”
The Town of Port Hedland will also respond with a formal submission. Public submissions close on Friday, 6 October 2017. A copy of the report, submission details and further information can be found at http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/what-we-do/advise-on-economic-policy/port-hedland-dust.
For media information:
Laura Hawes, Senior Communications Officer
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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