COMMUNITY CALL TO FEENEY:

EXTEND EIS CONSULTATION AND LIFT ANEF2025 AS YOU PROMISED

Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson has called on the Gillard Labor Government to give residents of Port Stephens more time to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the introduction of the Joint Strike Fighter at RAAF Base Williamtown; and lift the ANEF2025 as promised.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney will visit Port Stephens today to meet with Port Stephens Council and residents’ groups regarding the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast 2025. However, Mr Baldwin says he already has the information needed to do two major things to help the local community.

“Senator Feeney boasted in the media last year about his willingness to work together in a bipartisan effort to get the best outcome for the people of Port Stephens, yet his office has not even advised me of the meeting, let alone invited me,” said Mr Baldwin.

“That is a shame considering I have dealt personally with hundreds of people on this matter and understand the issues intimately, unlike Senator Feeney, who still didn’t understand the full difference between an ANEC and ANEF when I met with him in November.

“Regardless of the Senator’s actions I will not stop fighting for the people of Port Stephens on this issue, and that is why I am going to the media to call on Labor to give residents more time to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement.

“I have already written a letter to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Hon Tony Burke MP to ask for an extension.

“The EIS is a vital document in the process of approval of new flying operations for the Joint Strike Fighter and affected residents deserve adequate time to comment.

“Despite that, many residents only became aware of the submission period a week before it was due to close, as it was not even advertised in local media.

“When the Senator visits today he must actually listen to what residents need, and I call on him to do so. He can start with an extension to the EIS submission period.

“He can also lift the ANEF2025 which he and the Labor Government pledged to do before Christmas. We are still waiting,” said Mr Baldwin.