Monday, 12 September 2005

Media Release

Green Mayor Calls for Release of withheld Government Report prior to By-elections

Randwick's Green Mayor has called for the release of a withheld report that may predict increased truck movements through areas covered under this Saturday's Maroubra and Marrickville by-elections.

Well known Sydney Environmentalist Tom McLoughlin is waiting to receive a letter from Planning Minister Frank Sartor's Office explaining why an FOI request for the report has been refused.

On Monday Greens Mayor Murray Matson called on the Minister to release the report to allow it to be debated as an election issue prior to polling day.

He elaborated,

"As I understand it, the Minister has had the Cleland report into the proposed Port Botany expansion for some time. Mr McLouglin now advises me that the Minister has refused an FOI request that it be released.

Clearly the report will have examined predictions that truck movements through Marourba and Marrickville will increase if the port is expanded.

I think the voters of Marrickville and Maroubra should get to read a withheld Government Report into major new infrastructure proposed for their areas prior to being asked to vote in a new MP."

BACKGROUND:

Tom McLoughlin 0410 558838 ecologya@telpacific.com.au

Mr McLoughlin is from Ecology Action Sydney and is a member of the Botany Bay and Catchment Association (umbrella to 33 environment and civil society groups)