Liddell On Agenda During Alp Conference

Newcastle Herald

Saturday May 30, 1998

From SCOTT TUCKER Political Reporter in Sydney

MUSWELLBROOK leaders will use this weekend's ALP country conference in the town to seek assurances from the State Government about the burning of contaminated waste at Liddell power station.

Muswellbrook Mayor Cr Ian Seymour and council general manager Mr Louis Fisher will meet with Local Government Minister Mr Ernie Page to discuss community and environmental concerns raised in The Newcastle Herald.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) had denied public access to documents discussing plans to burn hazardous materials from Sydney ? including acids, solvents and lubricants ? at the power station, Herald journalist Mr Paul Maguire revealed yesterday.

Cr Seymour said he would use the Muswellbrook conference to raise, face to face, concerns with government representatives.

`Burning of alternative fuels is quite an interest and we will certainly be pursuing that,' Cr Seymour said.

`It's the right for people to know and to make sure it's not going to become a de facto toxic incinerator and our community wants to know what's going on.'

But no meetings are scheduled with Energy Minister Mr Bob Debus, who will present a cheque to the Maitland State Emergency Services (SES) brigade and open a Max Dupain exhibition at Newcastle Regional Library.

Mr Page will act as a Government go-between in the informal meeting with the Muswellbrook delegation, which will also address concerns about new rules forcing regular inspections and licensing of septic systems that could cost rural residents up to $150 each.

On a more positive note, the weekend conference will fill Muswellbrook accommodation houses and inject tens of thousand of dollars into the local economy.

A number of major announcements are planned, including an inland river initiative by Fisheries Minister Mr Bob Martin and a plan to rebuild country NSW by Regional Development and Rural Affairs Minister Mr Harry Woods.

The Government will use the Muswellbrook conference to launch a `whole of government' strategy to deliver accelerated growth in regional centres.

The conference begins at 9.30am today with introductions by Federal Member for Hunter Mr Joel Fitzgibbon and Upper Hunter State Electorate Council secretary Ms Robyn Tozer.

NSW ALP branch president Mr Peter Sams will speak at 9.35am followed by rural and provincial affairs policy committee chairman Ms Christine Robertson.

Premier Mr Bob Carr will deliver a keynote address at 11am followed by NSW ALP general manager Mr John Della Bosca at 1.30pm.

The federal Labor spokesman on industry and regional development, Mr Simon Crean, will address a dinner at Muswellbrook Workers Club at 7pm.

© 1998 Newcastle Herald

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