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 Doctor hits back at water critics 

Doctor hits back at water critics

BY DANIELLE BLEWETT
26 Mar, 2010 10:37 AM
ST HELENS doctor Alison Bleaney wants the politics taken out of Tasmania's clean water investigations.

Responding to criticism earlier this week by Break ' ODay Mayor Robert Legge about the February 15, pre-election timing of the ABC's Australian Story program, Dr Bleaney said she had no say when the show would be aired.

On Monday the State Government appointed water quality panel flew to Sydney to see for the first time the report into the George River that was at the centre of concerns raised in two episodes of Australian Story.

In the program it was alleged that high levels of toxins from Eucalyptus nitens might explain oyster deaths and allegedly higher cancer rates in the St Helens area.

Eucalyptus nitens are a tree species grown in Tasmanian forestry plantations.

Back from Sydney and at work in her St Helens medical practice yesterday, Dr Bleaney said she wanted information about all water issues to be delivered by the panel.

READ DANIELLE BLEWETT'S FULL STORY ON DR BLEANEY IN TOMORROW'S EDITION OF THE EXAMINER

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Not politically motivated, what a joke! What is amazing though, is the authors of this report will not even release the data for this report to be peer reviewed. This report will proven as flawed, just as the previous Scammel (?) back in 2005 was. Scaremongering at its best here. I have no objections to oyster farming, but perhaps they biologically have issues with disease from to time to time when being farmed, just like any other farmed food source. As this ever been studied? If not, I think it should be.
Posted by Jason, 26/03/2010 10:46:44 AM, on The Examiner
Excuse me. Bleaney could have (and should have) released the research data to the authorities but instead chose to sit on it in the lead up to the State election. Then, literally days after the State poll it miraculously is made available!Bleaney must think we are all fools.
Posted by Harry, 26/03/2010 2:14:09 PM, on The Examiner
Like all politicians before him Jason is baking mad at the messenger!
Posted by WTF, 26/03/2010 2:46:10 PM, on The Examiner
The human race has a history of crucifying any one who’s only wish is to benefit the health and well-being of the general population.
Posted by max, 26/03/2010 3:33:12 PM, on The Examiner
A country doctor who cares enough to look into why her patients are getting rare cancers. Who after failing to get the government to investigate, spends her own money to find out the truth. Who is also a heroine from the Falklands War, who chose Tassie as the place to live and bring her skills and caring. Who is widely loved and respected on the East Coast. Who has no special axe to grind. Or a government afraid to challenge the powerful forestry barons? Guess who we trust more. Tasmania has record levels of these cancers, and they correspond to high forestry regions. Alison Bleaney gets my respect and deep thanks for her efforts, as do the oyster farmers who risked their livelihood to be open about the problems. When would Foresty ever be so open ?
Posted by Dana, 26/03/2010 4:44:51 PM, on The Examiner
Jason seems to have a problem with politics and oysters. There are hundreds of us in this area that are fighting cancer and ill health, so we are interested in THE WATER ISSUE and we want answers , not all this condemnation of Dr Bleaney. This wonderful dedicated doctor has served this area for twenty years . Glenda Blair
Posted by Glenda Blair, 26/03/2010 4:50:23 PM, on The Examiner
Dr Bleaney has it made it quite clear she is happy to release the data to independent people, such as the CSIRO - but not a panel chosen by the state government. Given recent history of anybody who even thinks of being independent being sidelined by the Tas government, that seems a quite sensible stance.
Posted by Timmuh, 26/03/2010 7:34:13 PM, on The Examiner
It is not just us here in StHelens that have concerns about toxins from plantation trees. In South Gippsland Victoria areas of Meeniyan, Cann River, Orbost,Dumbalk,Seaspray and Yarram have the same concerns, as published on march 10-2010 in THE STAR newspaper . It also claims that Hanock Victorian plantations have been doing genetic improvements to their trees. These plantations are in the Strzelecki Ranges.The South Gippsland Water is waiting to see what Dr Bleaneys results show, and wait for the Victorian Health Department to give them instructions.These departments sure look out for our safety dont they? Havnt heard any political implications about these claims, Oh bugger they are not having one until the end of the year. Glenda B
Posted by Glenda Blair, 1/04/2010 8:57:02 PM, on The Examiner

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Dr Alison Bleaney
Dr Alison Bleaney

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