An open letter to Telmo Languiller MP

February 14, 2008 in Rants & Raves
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Dear Mr Languiller

I am absolutely appalled by the State Government’s complete ignorance on the issues relating to the Port Phillip Bay dredging project. 

Despite the repeated concerns raised by eminent experts about the damage that will inevitably be done to the Bay, Premier Brumby seems to be only concerned about an economic outcome related to shipping.  What he, and yourself by supporting the dredging, fail to understand is the far greater economic outcome derived by not dredging the bay. 

Other than the economic reason provided by your Government and the Port of Melbourne Corporation, your Government has failed to provide Victorians with adequate information about the realistic long-term impacts that this project will have on the Bay and the surrounding environments.  It would be irresponsible of the Government to believe that there will not be longer term impacts on the health and well-being of the Bay and its surrounding environment.  Indeed eminent scientists and experts have provided many warnings about the dredging and its impacts on the Bay. 

I am disappointed that for the sake of an increase in the size of container ships, that will have reportedly very little net economic benefit for Victoria, your Government is prepared to support the vandalism of Port Phillip Bay.  By supporting the dredging your Government is putting at risk hundreds of businesses that rely on the Bay which arguably would have greater economic value to Victoria. 

However, while this is old ground that I am covering in this letter, it is important to establish the actual economic credentials of the project, which neither the Port of Melbourne Corporation or your Government has done.  In addition, I am thoroughly concerned about reports of damage already done to the heads during the initial trial dredging. 

I look forward to receiving your personal opinion about the Bay dredging project. 

Regards

Alex Schlotzer