Darling Downs residents will demand Campbell Newman listens to their concerns about coal dust at a public health forum in Toowoomba tomorrow night.
The Premier, after the LNP’s devastating result in the Stafford by-election, said he’d got the message loud and clear that Queenslanders were not happy with his broken promises.
Clean Air Queensland (CAQ) spokesman, Michael Kane said one of the Premier’s broken promises was not to expand New Hope’s Acland mine, near Toowoomba.
“Campbell Newman and the LNP broke that promise after the election and is expanding the already huge Acland mine that will see another 2.7 million tonnes of coal transported through Toowoomba and Brisbane suburbs every year,” Mr Kane said.
“This will increase the 3,500 uncovered coal trains carrying nine million tonnes of coal that already travel through Toowoomba.
“Global studies indicate ingesting fine particles like those in coal dust could lead to increased health risks including stroke, heart attack, lung cancer and respiratory problems.
“The people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs have had enough and want Premier Newman to honour his promise to protect the health of locals and other effected Queenslanders.”
CAQ is holding a free community health forum at Toowoomba on Thursday to discuss the health impacts from coal dust. Speakers will include Dr Nicki Laws of the Oakey Coal Action Alliance and representatives of Doctors for the Environment and Lock the Gate Alliance.
A Federal Government inquiry has recommended tighter regulations, better health assessments and that all coal trains be covered.
TOOWOOMBA HEALTH FORUM ON COAL DUST
When: Thursday, July 24 from 7pm to 8.15 pm
What: Community health forum on coal dust pollution
Where: Holy Name Primary School hall, Rosewood St entrance
Who: Dr Nicki Laws, Oakey Coal Action Alliance, Doctors for the Environment, Clean Air Queensland, Michael Kane
Quote from Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman: "...I think there's a time in the not too distant future where the community will be right to start to demand the wagons are closed.” ABC radio, November 20, 2012