Mayor supports investigation into Agent Orange claims
Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) Mayor, Cr Bill Shannon, said today he supports the calls for investigation into claims of Agent Orange use in the Innisfail area between 1964 and 1966.
Cr Shannon said that the appropriate authorities should investigate the claims thoroughly, to ensure the safety of residents in the Innisfail area.
“It is of great concern if indeed there is any link between the alleged testing and cancer rates in the area.
“I call upon State and Federal departments with the appropriate authority over these matters to investigate and openly report on the claims made by Jean Williams OAM from Nambour during the past week.
“Although there is no evidence of the chemical in our local drinking water supply, the matter needs to be cleared up to alleviate concerns of the residents of the Innisfail area,” Cr Shannon said.
Cr Shannon supports Premier Bligh’s comment today that anyone with concerns regarding the incidence of cancer in the area to contact the Environmental Protection Agency.