Report does not identify adverse health impacts from CSG in Tara

A report into the effects of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) on the health of Tara residents has found no clear link between CSG activities and residents’ health complaints.

The report, compiled by Queensland Health, was released by Health Minister Lawrence Springborg today.

Mr Springborg said the Coal Seam Gas in the Tara Region: Summary Risk Assessment of Health Complaints and Environmental Monitoring Data report summarised that, based on the clinical and environmental monitoring data available, a clear causal link could not be drawn between health complaints and impacts of the CSG industry on air, water and soil in the community.

Various information sources were used for the report, including health complaints made by some Tara residents to local health care providers and 13 HEALTH from 4 July - 12 November, 2012. Complaints included reports of headaches, eye irritations, nose bleeds and skin rashes.

The low number of individuals reporting symptoms was among the reasons for the finding. The estimated population for the exposure area is 1,257 people. Forty-six residents, or 3.7 per cent, reported symptoms.

It was also noted that health complaints were mainly non-specific and could arise from other causes.

Mr Springborg said advice from an independent occupational and environmental medicine specialist, Dr Keith Adam, was commissioned and included in the report.

Dr Adam held two health clinics in Tara on 11 and 12 October, 2012, but numbers that presented to the clinic were low and his ability to generalise his observations was therefore limited.

“In his assessment Dr Adam concluded that the results of the environmental monitoring do not indicate any significant exposure which could account for the ongoing symptoms,” Mr Springborg said.

Queensland Health and Dr Adam noted that feelings of a lack of control over environmental change or inadequate consultation about the expansion of the coal seam gas industry were potential causes of distress among residents.

“This could adversely impact a person’s health, particularly their mental health,” Mr Springborg said.

The report made six recommendations:

• A coordinated response by Government agencies, including a community reference group to help identify health, community and social concerns
• The introduction of community support initiatives in affected areas
• Future health clinics in the Tara region, with community input about their nature, location, frequency and timing - including strategies to address aspects of mental health
• Regular, timely and accurate feedback to communities in relation to health, community and social concerns, including reports on air monitoring
• The continuation of air monitoring by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to identify emissions and the extent of community exposure
• The possibility of measures to monitor and mitigate exposure to low frequency noise.

Mr Springborg acknowledged that the report was unlikely to resolve concerns among some Tara residents. He said the recommendations would be circulated among Government agencies and a comprehensive response developed and implemented.
 
[ENDS] 21 March 2013

Media contact: Cameron Thompson 3234 1439