The Port of Melbourne Corporation has agreed at a Federal Court hearing on 6 February to delay the dredging of toxic sediment from the mouth of the Yarra River, and, instead, until after the case is heard in the Federal Court on 20 February, limit its operations to the less damaging dredging of clean sand from the south channel.
See also
Transcript from "Whither Australia's ports?" on Radio National's the National Interest of Sunday 1 Feb 2008. Blue Wedges' spokespersons Jenny Warfe debates two proponents of channel deepening.
"Dredging opponents win a short delay" by Catherine Best, Bringelly News 6 Feb 08
"Dredging opponents win a short delay" Sydney Morning Herald 6 Feb 08
"Court deal lets dredging start" Herald-Sun 7 Feb 08
Earlier story: Blue Wedges seeks urgent injunction to stop commencement of dredging
Orignal article at #10;">www.bluewedges.org.
Blue Wedges lawyer is likely to file papers in the Federal Court at 9 am Wednesday 6th February
Blue Wedges lawyer Michael Morehead is likely to file papers in the Federal Court at 9 am tomorrow morning (Wednesday 6th February) seeking an injunction to suspend works and stay the Minister’s decision.
We then await the Court’s convenience as to the time the injunction will be heard – hopefully tomorrow.
Blue Wedges is committed to further legal action. Otherwise, the first work that Boskalis will undertake in Port Phillip Bay is to construct a 6 sq. km aquatic toxic storage facility, adjacent to Melbourne’s premier beaches. The toxic facility would be 60 times the area of the Nowingi toxic facility near Mildura which was rejected by the community and an Independent Panel in 2006.
In just one year, the PoMC’s aquatic toxic facility would receive 7 million tonnes of contaminated and toxic spoil. This is nine times what the Nowingi facility may have accepted in thirty years of operations.
Media contacts:
Jenny Warfe: 59871583, 0405 825769
Jo Samuel-King: 0403 069 771
Michael Morehead, lawyer: 0401 960 655
See also
Port and Blue Wedges ordered to mediation, The Age - Feb 08
Protesters vent anger at Premier Brumby, The Age - 5 Feb 08
Peter Garrett gives Port Phillip Bay dredging go ahead, Melbourne Herald Sun - 6 Feb 08
Debate closed on disclosure of dredging, Sydney Morning Herald - 6 Feb 08
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