At the Coal Ash Public Meeting, we made the following public declaration:
”We call on NSW power station operators and the NSW Government to immediately enact plans and policies to enable the comprehensive remediation of ecosystems impacted by coal-ash waste pollution, including the removal and safe reuse of all waste in coal-ash dumps in Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Lithgow.”
BACKGROUND
● Government backing for simple regulation amendments under existing legislation could facilitate an expansion in the coal ash recycling industry in NSW, immediately reducing pollutants entering waterways, and creating regional jobs in sustainable manufacturing
● The Public Works Committee are deliberating their final recommendations on the inquiry into Costs for remediation of sites containing coal ash repositories which will be announced in March 2021
● The NSW Energy and Environment Minister, The Hon. Matt Kean has stated that a coal-ash reuse policy will feature in the NSW 20-Year Waste Strategy, also to be announced in March 2021 but the nature of these policies is uncertain
Now is a critical time to support action on coal-ash waste pollution!
AIMS
Share expert, community and emerging industry perspectives on the environmental impacts, reuse opportunities, policy and regulation surrounding coal-ash waste in NSW
Demonstrate widespread public support for action on the coal-ash waste pollution that will lead to increased reuse rates and facilitate the full decontamination of ash waste sites in future
Build and solidify a network of community representatives from coal-ash regions who are informed and engaged on the issue, to work alongside Government and regulators to manage long-term pollution risks
MEDIA COVERAGE
Madison Scott for NBN News, FEBRUARY 27 2021
Hunter meeting calls for state-wide increase in coal-ash reuse, Rod Thompson, Newcastle Weekly, FEBRUARY 26 2021
Coal ash meeting at Lake Macquarie to call for immediate action to remove and reuse material from storage dams, Scott Bevan, Newcastle Herald, FEBRUARY 27 2021 -
For further background on the coal-ash leachate issue affecting NSW waterways, please see Research & Reports or Media Centre pages