NSW unprepared for major oil spill
Posted: Monday, 20 February 2012 | By: Luke Foley
The NSW Labor Opposition has called on the O'Farrell Government to implement its three point plan to respond to major oil spills – after it was revealed the State does not have a coordinated approach to protect our environment and wildlife in the event of an oil slick.
"NSW is unprepared to deal with an oil spill and needs a coordinated, whole of government approach to protect our environment and wildlife," Shadow Environment Minister, Luke Foley said today.
"The recent catastrophic oil spills off the coast of New Zealand and in the Gulf of Mexico have taught us we need to prepare now – before it is too late.
"As Port Kembla, Newcastle and Sydney Port all see huge increases in shipping movements and undergo major expansions, it is vital we develop a world class plan to deal with oil slicks.
"With such huge increases in traffic, NSW will inevitably face a major shipping related oil spill. To protect our unique seabirds and ocean life, we need to be prepared.
"For example, Montague Island is home to 16,000 penguins and currently has no specific plan of how to respond when an oil slick is heading toward the island.
"As a first step, Labor will this week move amendments to the Marine Pollution Bill 2011 to fund a Wildlife Disaster Rehabilitation Fund – to direct revenue from fines towards response and cleanup activities for stricken wildlife."
Labor's three point Wildlife Disaster Rehabilitation Plan for preparing NSW includes:
1. Amend the Marine Pollution Bill 2011
To assign revenue from fines and penalties associated with the Marine Pollution Bill 2011 to the creation of world's best practice environmental and wildlife cleanup procedures and infrastructure.
2. Create an Oiled Wildlife Network
A stakeholder group, modelled on the California Oiled Wildlife Network, would lead oil spill responses and include the Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Primary Industries, Taronga Zoo, Maritime NSW, the Ports and non government organisations to deliver training and infrastructure to prepare the State for an oil spill.
3. Establish an Environmental Clean Up Plan
Create clear plans and resources for each region and ecosystem affected by oil spills, for example, Montague Island, which is home to some 16,000 penguins, and Lord Howe Island.
Tags: environment, Luke Foley, ocean, pollution, wildlife