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George River Water Quality Panel

Map of St Helens - stylised
On 23 February 2010, the Director of Public Health recommended to the Tasmanian Government that a process be established to address scientific research issues raised in the Australian Story ABC television program, What's in the Water? (which ran in two parts over 15 and 22 February 2010).

The story was about water quality in the George River in Tasmania’s north-east and the possible relationship between toxic surface foam linked to eucalyptus plantations in the catchment and concerns about public and aquatic health in the region.

On 26 February 2010 the Premier invited the independent Chair of the board of Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority, John Ramsay, to oversee the gathering of the evidence and its assessment by relevant experts.

On 9 March 2010 a Panel of eminent, independent scientific experts was convened to address scientific issues raised in the program.

George River Water Quality Panel Report June 2010 (cover)


On 29 June 2010 the George River Water Quality Panel released its findings in its Final Report:
Report of the George River Water Quality Panel - June 2010You are now leaving our site. DPIPWE is not responsible for the content of the web site to which you are going. The link does not constitute any form of endorsement .

A Summary ReportYou are now leaving our site. DPIPWE is not responsible for the content of the web site to which you are going. The link does not constitute any form of endorsement of the Panel's findings was also released.


Terms of Reference

The Panel operated within the following terms of reference. To:
  1. review the results of the research carried out by Drs Bleaney and Scammel and any other relevant studies;
  2. decide whether any further characterisation of toxins in the water and their source or toxicity studies are required to help determine whether the toxicity reported on Australian Story represents a significant risk to:
    a. drinking water supplies, in St Helens (or more broadly given that many water catchments in the State will contain significant areas of eucalypts);
    b.Shellfish culture in Georges Bay or more broadly; or
    c.Aquatic ecosystems;
  3. commission or facilitate the undertaking of any such studies by suitably qualified and independent scientists; and
  4. provide an interim and final report to the Government on the findings of the review and any further studies carried out. The final report should include recommendations as to any actions or policies arising from the investigation.



Tasmania Online


Tasmania Online | Service Tasmania

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