16th June 2006

Words from Clean Ocean

Surfers on Victoria's Morninton Peninsula have long complained of illness due to the polluted water surrounding the Gunnamatta Outfall. Sadly, many recorded cases of viral meningitis, brachial neuritis, tonsillitis, trench fever, hepatitis C and kidney, eye, ear nose and throat infections have been attributed to swimming or surfing in the area.

Yet Melbourne Water's published testing data says the beaches are safe. Mark Akester, Clean Ocean Foundation's environmental officer said that the surf-zone testing data is being hidden because beyond the wave action there's a problem & and that's the testing data, which is not available on the Melbourne Water website. "Only the shoreline testing data is being made available. If there's nothing to hide, why don't they let people know about the quality of the water offshore where the surfers are?"

Opposition environment spokesman David Davis has filed a freedom-of-information request for all data collected on water quality on the Mornington Peninsula. Yet the data has still not been made available. "John Thwaites wants to hide damning data about the impact on swimmers and beachgoers of massive pollution at Gunnamatta". Mr Davis said. "A decision to hide key test results from water monitoring data at Gunnamatta is a politically motivated PR stunt to ensure Victorians don't find out the truth about the disgusting and dangerous state of the beaches near Gunnamatta and Rye ahead of the (election). "Clean Ocean Foundation has responded by imposing a 'beach ban' on John Thwaites, an avid surfer frequents the lineups from Point Lonsdale to Bells Beach for severely risking the health of the surfing community.

Please raise this serious issue:

John Thwaites [email protected] 357 Clarendon Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 (03 9699 6755

Ted Baillieu [email protected] Leader of the State Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition

Office of the Leader of the Opposition,

Level 4, 157 Spring Street, Melbourne 3002 (03) 9651 8512