Australia's democratic constitution is envied by many countries around the world, as it allows the democratically elected government to draft laws that are supposed to be fair and protect the rights of all.
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The Government sets out a range of departments to take care of any particular issue, which might occur.
One of those departments is the EPA – Environment Protection Authority. Couldn't be spelled out any clearer, it is meant to police and intervene in defence of the environment if it is abused by irresponsible operators.
The reasons as to why the EPA does not intervene promptly are speculative, as it is in the case of the red zone at Williamtown RAAF Base or the contamination washing down the rivers from Truegain oil processing plant which ceased operation two years ago at Rutherford.
The EPA would – or should – have known that the soil around the plant was contaminated and that contamination would wash down the rivers if not contained. And yet despite the site sitting idle for the last two years, those very unhealthy chemicals haven't yet been cleaned-up.
How is that doing what's best for the environment?’
Salvatore Cocco, Rutherford
WELL DESERVED
Congratulations to Maitland Football4All who received a $2500 grant from the NSW Minister for Sport last Wednesday to go towards new uniforms for the club.
It was great to see Minister Stuart Ayres make an appearance at the club’s training session at Robins Oval, along with the Hon Catherine Cusack MLC and Maitland Councillors Ben Mitchell and Kanchan Ranadive. In addition to the grant, Minister Ayres also pledged a personal donation of $500 towards the club during his visit.
Maitland Football4All is a locally based club which enables people with additional needs to enjoy the benefits of football. It helps create an inclusive community for children of all abilities to get active and have a great time. It also allows kids to benefit from physical, emotional, and social skills that often help build confidence and self esteem. The club also provides a platform for parents to network and socialise in a child friendly environment.
This grant will go towards reducing the financial burden for the club so they can focus on providing a safe place for children’s growth and a community based on inclusion.
Cr Mitchell Griffin, Maitland City Council
THANKS MAITLAND
The Fred Hollows Foundation has thanked the people of Maitland and surrounding towns, whose generosity helped deliver a record 1,106,654 eye operations and treatments in 2017.
Twenty-five years after the much-loved Australian ophthalmologist and humanitarian Fred Hollows passed away, communities like Maitland, who donated more than $97,000 over the past 12 months, also helped The Foundation train a record 102,356 eye surgeons, nurses, community health workers and teachers to continue Fred’s legacy of restoring sight for the world’s poorest people.
To help The Fred Hollows Foundation continue its work, donate at www.hollows.org or call 1800 352 352.
Fred Hollows Foundation
contamination advice
Hunter councils are invited to apply for funding in the 2018–21 Council Regional Capacity Building Program.
It will fund contaminated land experts in regional areas to help with contaminated site management and provide a local source of advice. Applications are now open.
The program will provide added expertise to help councils manage contamination and safeguard community wellbeing.
The program is flexible to meet the needs of regional councils.
