The Kuranda Water Treatment Plant’s – Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Feb 2012 reveals that between 30% to 60% of Kuranda’s water pipes have been made with asbestos concrete. The problem with asbestos concrete water pipes is that as the pipes age and start to deteriorate, asbestos fibers are released into the water supply.

While inhaled asbestos is recognized as a serious carcinogen, the Government’s current position is that ingesting asbestos fibre from the water supply poses little or no risk to the public health. So this is why there are no established guidelines for unsafe levels of asbestos in town water.

There is however growing concern around the world. Regulators are not taking into account the potential to inhale asbestos fibers e.g. in aerosol droplets when showering, or from fibers trapped on clothing during washing. These fibres are then released into the atmosphere especially from cloths driers and humidifiers.

Asbestos is clearly another important reason to install proper water filtering for one’s home and business.

A community forum to share information and stories on climate change concerns in the Torres Strait

Friday 28 February 5 pm for 5.30 start
Junior Eisteddfod Hall 76 Greenslopes St, Cairns
RSVP by Monday 24 February to wendy.flannery@foe.org.au or 0439 771 692
The event includes screening of “Dire Straits” (a short film on Saibai Island) followed by a panel discussion and sharing of stories
Drinks & Light Refreshments Provided ENTRY BY GOLD COIN DONATION

Friends of the Earth Kuranda were proud to show their support for the Kuranda Day Festival recently held on the 19-20 October. It was great fun to see people splashing around in our beautiful Barron River. The raft races put a smile on everyone’s faces young and old! To help raise awareness and to keep our rivers clean was our focus this festival. Friends of the Earth Kuranda distributed a Fact Sheet about the Barron River water quality.

Our next general meeting will be held on Sunday 17 November 2013 at Le Petit Cafe at 1:00 pm. Come join us for a leisurely drink or lunch! New members are welcome. Those who wish to become new members, but cannot attend, please email us at info@foekuranda.org.

FoE Kuranda organised a candidates questionnaire in relation to the forthcoming election for Mareeba Shire Council (a Council revived following the atrocious decision by the Newman Government to de-amalgamate Tablelands Regional Council).

Tom’s team consists of Tom Gilmore for Mayor and Nipper Brown, Karen Ewin, Allan Holmes, Jenny Jensen, Colleen Owen and Garth Owens for his team of councillors. This is their collective response:

1/ What priority would you give to meeting EPA requirements for water quality and sewerage treatment.

Water quality and sewerage treatment is a high priority for Council and must meet the requirements of the EPA standards within the financial capacity of the ratepayers.

Society today has a “user pays” system, and while everyone would love to own a Rolls Royce most times we can only afford a Holden. We should continually work towards upgrading what we have through development/headworks/ infrastructure charges.

Your Team consists of Mick Borzi for Mayor and Mary Graham, Fred Cristaldi, Kay Hastie, Paul Johnstone, Alan Pedersen and  Steve Dominikovic. Here is their collective response to the FoE questionnaire:

Firstly let me give you some personal history.

Thankyou for your interest in my views.
You have asked some very important and valid questions. As you can appreciate I am not in a position to respond to the questions you have put forward: