“Late Mail” defers vote on Agent Orange testing
Date: June 12th, 2008
Filed: Media Releases
Cassowary Coast Regional Council today agreed to defer considerations on the testing of Innisfail’s water supply following recent reports of herbicide testing by the Australian Defence Force in the 1960’s.
A comprehensive report was given by Council’s Environmental Health Manager which in summary outlined:
- Agent Orange chemicals (2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) were not tested by the Defence Force at this site;
- Chemicals tested are all commercially available and approved for use on food crops;
- Qld Health states that there is no high incidence of cancer rates in Innisfail and it is in 0.1% of the State average;
- Defence Force testing conducted 42 years ago was of a small localised nature over a two day period not utilising aerial testing;
- The identified site of testing is on State (National estate) land;
- Council’s own water testing covers 130 herbicides and pesticides and has been conducted for over 15 years with no adverse results.
Council was then advised that a representative from James Cook University (JCU) had contacted the Mayor in relation to possible assistance regarding testing.
As the information was received late Wednesday (11/6) evening and it was unclear of the level of assistance being offered by JCU it was decided to defer any decision on sediment testing to the next full Council meeting on 26 June 2008, to enable all information to be considered.