I refer to OneSteel’s press release.

I am pleased that OneSteel has acknowledged that there is a black dust problem now affecting some sections of the east Whyalla community, and it is important that this problem be addressed as a matter of urgency, and not be allowed to become an issue of any longevity like the infamous red dust issue.

I agree that the black dust currently impinging upon some homes and properties in east Whyalla is not staining like hematite, but it is however, undesirable, and unacceptable from an aesthetic point of view and it does have the potential of affecting the communities health and well being both physically, and psychologically.

Nobody likes to have their lifetime investment, their family home, spoiled or degraded by any pollutant whether it be red black or brindle, and indeed most people believe it is their absolute right to have this expectation.

There is no doubt that Project Magnet has reduced the red dust problem in east Whyalla, and I unconditionally acknowledge this, but it is depressingly disappointing to be confronted with an unexpected new black dust problem.

As chair of Whyalla Red Dust Action Group Inc., and as an ECG member, I am keen to encourage, engage, and work with OneSteel to obtain positive outcomes for the affected community, and also for OneSteel, and I do see that it is extremely important that OneSteel is seen to be genuinely addressing these issues because it is important that a good OneSteel /community social license partnership prevails

In the past the red dust issue was not genuinely, or appropriately addressed, and this has made the affected community very cynical and wary of any new dust issues like the black dust issue.

The old servant/master days of ignoring community concerns are long since gone, and a modern progressive community rightly seeks proper resolutions to environmental issues to protect its investment and its families health and well being.

I believe the EPA should be more involved in the steelworks dust problems by assisting and encouraging OneSteel to achieve environmental goals etc - and that it’s sidelining by the OneSteel Indenture should be revisited by the SA Government, because in reality the EPA has no regulatory power anymore in respect to the steelworks and this is reflected in the restricted way EPA now acts in respect to these matters.

I do think we are slowly moving forward in addressing the environmental issues affecting east Whyalla - but we have a long way to go.

I also believe that there is a need for an even more transparent and bi-partisan relationship between the affected community, OneSteel, EPA, and PIRSA with the sole and genuine aim to resolve these problems without politics muddying the waters, and with acceptable outcomes.

Also to recognise that in 2008 it is not acceptable to expose any community to unacceptable levels of any pollutant that causes amenity impacts or health impacts, or that exceeds the requirements of the National Health Standard set down by the National Environment Protection Council.