Greens NSW MP John Kaye challenged the Rees government to either come up with a justification for Tillegra dam or cancel the $406 million project.

Commenting on a story in today’s Newcastle Herald (‘Fly over Tillegra dam’),  Dr Kaye said: “Water Minister Phil Costa gleefully announced that Tillegra has passed another milestone with the release of the concept plan.

“What he is not telling the residents of the Lower Hunter is that they are about to be forced to pay $406 million or more for a project that has no use.

“Neither the Minister nor the Hunter Water Corporation can point to one good reason why the dam should be built. (more…)

The Rees government is creating a public health risk by backing the food industry and voting against a bill that would ban the use of artificial trans fatty acids in the state’s foods, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: “There is no doubt that the continued use of artificial trans fatty acids in foods poses a massive risk to the future health of New South Wales consumers. Trans fats increase the risk of heart disease.”

“The Rees government by rejecting The Greens trans fats eradication bill is thumbing its nose at the concerns of health professionals, including the Australian Medical Association New South Wales Branch, and the consumer organisation Choice. (more…)

Greens NSW MP John Kaye today issued a challenge to the owners of the Eden chipmill to publicly debate their proposed 5 megawatt native forestry biomass power station.

Dr Kaye said: “The Rees government has effectively shut the public out of the planning process for this highly destructive proposal.

“It is essential that the plans are tested in an open forum. If the power station goes ahead, it will have devastating impacts on the native forests of the South East. Greenhouse gas emissions will increase and local air quality will be damaged.

“There are huge question marks over chipmill owner SEFE’s long term plans. (more…)