Construction on the desalination pipeline and dredging of Botany Bay is about to begin, threatening toxic shock to the bay, according to Greens MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye joined Greens Rockdale Councillor Lesa de Leau and Sutherland Council candidate Naomi Waizer to inspect the site where dredging of Botany Bay will begin.

Dr Kaye said: “Gouging a 48 metre wide by 4 metre deep trench into the sea floor of Botany Bay is playing Russian roulette with the entire ecosystem.

“More than one and half centuries of dumping industrial waste into the Bay and its tributaries has resulted in a massive accumulation of heavy metals including mercury and dangerous organic compounds such as ethylene dichloride.

“Silt spills not only suffocate marine ecosystems but they carry the risk of a concentrated toxic load that will poison corals and marine creatures such as sea dragons,” Dr Kaye said.

Ms Waizer said: “The very first pipeline link leaked a plume of silt into the shallow waters of the Bay at Silver Beach.

“Minister Rees still has not provided evidence that digging a massive underwater trench will not stir up an unacceptable load of silt and toxics, threatening marine life, protected waters and the bay shoreline.

“The priority for Sutherland Shire Council must be protecting Kurnell peninsula from any further undesirable development,” Ms Waizer said.

Ms de Leau said: “Where we are standing was once community open space for the people of Rockdale. It is now a construction site for Morris Iemma’s crazy desalination plant.

“A strong Greens presence on local councils is vital to ensure that community needs and concerns are not overridden by the Iemma government.

“Labor and Liberal councillors cannot be relied on to put the community ahead of their party bosses,” Ms de Leau said.

For more information:    John Kaye 0407 195 455

                Lesa de Leau 0413 581 603

                Naomi Waizer 0411 150 595