PORT OF MELBOURNE CORPORATION MUST BE WORRIED

The Corporation must still be rather worried about its image as the lone dumper of toxic spoil as they are paying members of the public $70 to come along to an evening of “push polling”.

Thanks to the interested person who advised us they had recently attended a PoMC funded “market research” event. Seems the Corporation must still be rather worried about its image as the lone and unlicensed dumper of toxic spoil if they are paying members of the public $70 to come along to an evening of “push polling”. The purpose of the poll was not explained to participants except to say it was "an opportunity to express an opinion on how Victoria was going" however we are told there was constant reiteration that dredging was not doing any damage to the bay.

Questions started out general, such as: Are you happy living in this area? Do you think your council is doing a good job? Are you satisfied with your school? Are you happy with public transport? Do you think the government is doing a good job?

Then it became rather obvious that the session was all about channel deepening, and an opportunity for more PoMC spin to hit the airwaves. So, we assume PoMC is using these sessions to sell their idea that all is well with the Bay. Similar point to their recent round of “public information sessions” around the bay.... the ones with the display about managing 'contaminated sediments' that didn't mention that millions of tonnes of toxic material would remain uncapped underwater for 140 days to 5 years.

Boskalis at work in the Yarra  May 2008

Image: C. Priest 

Our correspondent says that some attendees said nothing at all, so what will PoMC make of this rigorous “data” we wonder. We gather that these polls may be held in various suburbs, so keep an eye out in your area......and if you go along, keep in mind PoMC’s claims of "World's Best Practice" and this 19th Century style image of Yarra toxins being dug up.......and let's hope they don't drop the grab head on the main trunk sewer pipe directly below.  



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