A petition with 10,000 signatures from people who want coal trains covered in the Hunter will be presented to State Parliament.
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Opposition spokeswoman for the Hunter Sonia Hornery will present the document this week on behalf of the Hunter Community Environment Centre, which wants the government to force the coal industry to cover all loaded wagons and wash all unloaded carriages.
“NSW Labor called for independent research on Hunter coal dust pollution last year and this petition supports the ongoing concern of Hunter residents that particle pollution from coal wagons is causing serious health problems,” Ms Hornery said.
“I met with the Hunter Community Environment Centre representatives last week and was presented with the petition.”
Environment centre spokesman John McKenzie said the issue of uncovered coal wagons was a serious public health risk in the Hunter.
“Uncovered coal trains expose the community to elevated levels of particle pollution and causes a range of cardiovascular and respiratory health problems,” he said.
