Somersby sand mine approval looms: Della Bosca ducks responsibility

The Minister for Planning is expected to announce her decision by the end of April on the Somesby sand mine located 260 metres from the local school. Ms Rhiannon's question is below. Minister Della Bosca responded to the question then took it on notice.

"During question time Mr Della Bosca admitted he was aware of the tragic impact of silicosis and its potential links with lung cancer and other diseases," Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said.

"As a long serving Minister John Della Bosca said he has held numerous portfolios that have raised his awareness of potential health problems, including silicosis, from overexposure to dust containing crystalline silica.

"During his career Mr Della Bosca has been Minister for Industrial Relations, responsible for WorkCover and the Dust Diseases Board.  As Minister for the Central Coast and former Minister for Education he has been made well aware of concerns about the mine's proximity to the school.

"Minister Della Bosca admitted he knows the science around the potential health impacts of sand mining. Mr Della Bosca's responsibility as Health Minister is to protect and promote public health, creating an obligation on him to do everything he can to stop this mine.

"If this mine proceeds it will generate air, water and dust pollution and risk young people developing serious respiratory diseases and cancer.

"The Greens renew our call for the Minister for Planning to refuse this application and for the government to impose a three-kilometre buffer zone from all mining around schools.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

Question without Notice by Lee Rhiannon to Mr Della Bosca
In relation to the current proposal under consideration for a sandmine 260 metres from Somersby Public School, are you aware of a 2008 Queensland Cancer Council review of lung cancer cases around Redlands sand quarries that found higher than average rates of lung cancer? 

Are you aware of warnings by the World Health Organisation that overexposure to dust containing crystalline silica, present in the air from sand-blasting, causes silicosis and temporary and permanent disabilities and death from conditions such as lung fibrosis, emphysema and pulmonary tuberculosis?

Considering as Education Minister you noted concerns about health impacts on Somersby students, stemming from air, water and dust pollution, then how will you as Health Minister ensure that the health of school children and residents is protected if this sand mine goes ahead? 

Does your government have a policy on whether extractive industries should be located so close to a school?