The State Government is being urged to hold a public information forum to address recent reports on heavy metal contamination in NEWCASTLE.
According to a report by MACQUARIE University, high levels of lead and copper can be found in many of NEWCASTLE's backyards and parks.
The levels found are considered to be dangerous to human health and Shadow Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe says the government needs to act.
"The EPA (Environment Protection Authority) has been silent really since this came out late last year and we think it's time that they need to step up," she said.
After the contamination at Williamtown, Penny Sharpe says she doesn't want a repeat in Newcastle.
"We know what happened in Williamtown. The EPA sat on the information for years," she said.
"We know that there are issues with industrial pollution that really impact on families that are moving in here and live here. It's time that the government provide information to the community so they know they're safe."
Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp is also urging the government to hold a forum so Hunter residents understand how to manage contamination if it's found.
He says their response to this issue is poor.
"The government is very slowly to react on this. It should be acting quickly. It should have the EPA up here informing the community what this research means.
"Whether it's a veggie patch here in the back garden or children playing in the park, this government needs to set its resources onto this issue to make the public aware, through a public forum, of exactly what the contamination is and what that means for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter," he said.
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| Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp and Shadow Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe with New Lambton resident Sue Walmsley |
