Channel Deepening Risks a Repeat of Sydney's Toxic Fish Disaster

“Melbourne, just like Sydney has a legacy of over one hundred years of industrial waste.  There is every likelihood that Channel Deepening will release this toxic legacy into our Bay”, says Dr Simon Roberts of Monash University.
“Melbourne, just like Sydney has a legacy of over one hundred years of industrial waste.  There is every likelihood that Channel Deepening will release this toxic legacy into our Bay”, says Dr Simon Roberts of Monash University. 
Dr. Roberts, a microbiologist and Bay expert says “The data we have indicates that there is highly toxic sediment in the Yarra.  As Channel Deepening will release these toxins, there is every chance that this will lead to bioaccumulation in fish.  I am very concerned about the potential effect of these toxins on human health and the entire marine environment”. 
Scientists concerns have been echoed by a group of doctors, who in a letter to Premier Bracks last year warned “Channel deepening will disturb over three million tonnes of highly toxic sediment.  Exposing mega amounts of toxins to the food chain is likely to have significant impacts on human health and the marine environment”. 
Fishermen are angry.  “This Government locks away our fishing grounds on “environmental grounds” then commits itself to a project that is destined to destroy our beautiful Bay and our capacity to enjoy it” says local fisherman, John Willis.
 
Blue Wedges spokesperson Jenny Warfe comments that the Port of Melbourne Corporation still has no solution on offer to deal with the intractable problem of toxic sediments in the North of the Bay if the channel deepening proposal were to go ahead. PoMC’s handling of the toxic sediment issue was heavily criticized by the Independent Panel who examined the channel deepening project. “The PoMC’s expert turned out not to be an expert and the Panel Report reflects the Panel’s deep concerns. The toxic sediment issue should be a show stopper. How can the government even consider risking the health of Melbournians and millions of Bay inhabitants, many of which we would then consume”. 
 

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