Monday April 8
Territory nurses, midwives and doctors will voice their concerns about the expansion of gas projects in the NT at a press conference tomorrow. They welcome this week’s Senate Inquiry into the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, which will hold public hearings in Darwin on Wednesday, April 10 and Thursday, April 11.
What: Press conference
Where: Outside the front of Parliament House, Darwin
When: 9.30am, Tuesday April 9
Who:
- Dr Louise Woodward, NT paediatrician
- Catherine Hatcher, NT Branch Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
- Dr Paul Bauert, OAM, NT paediatrician and former AMA NT president
- Dr Annie Whybourne, NT paediatrician
- Olivia Conan-Davies, NT nurse
Contact: Dr Louise Woodward 0405 531 576 or Catherine Hatcher 0407 063 593
Background:
- The processing of gas into LNG releases toxic pollution into the air which places the public at risk of serious health consequences. Research shows that people living near oil and gas manufacturing facilities have higher rates of cancer, asthma, heart and lung disease, premature birth, and even death.
- Petrochemical manufacturing is a toxic process with significant health risks for both workers and residents living nearby. Of serious concern, research shows that people living within 5km of petrochemical facilities have an increased risk of leukaemia and this risk has not improved over time. Many Darwin and Palmerston residents will live within 5km of the Middle Arm project which is projected to have petrochemical manufacturing.
- Climate change is an ever-present threat to the people of the NT with more frequent life-threatening heatwaves, fires, floods, and natural disasters. The climate crisis is caused by the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, including gas which is exacerbated by Australia’s increasing exports of gas. The NT should prioritise the health and safety of people by rapidly moving away from fossil fuels like gas.
- The hazardous emissions from the gas and petrochemical industries are a threat to public health and the safety of the NT people. Territory nurses, midwives and doctors do not support the further expansion of the gas industry, enabled by the Middle Arm project.
