August 10, 1999.
Dr M.
Mackintosh,
Chief Executive CSIRO
P.O. Box 225
Dickson ACT 2602
Dear Dr
Mackintosh,
The proposed
expansion of the DPI/CSIRO site at Meiers Rd is the wrong choice
of site for an institution of this size and type. Traffic access
is totally inadequate, and involves loss of residential and
environmental amenity. We have serious environmental
concerns about placing high-risk commercial laboratories in a
residential area.
We have
happily lived alongside the CSIRO, in its current form, for many
years, and have great respect for the scientists and other staff,
and for the high-quality work they conduct. We want to
assist you to find the correct site in Brisbane to conduct this
important work.
The plan
options we have seen for the NSP all totally conflict with the
Integrated Planning Act 1997(Qld) and the Brisbane City Council's
Draft City Plan. The plans also involve destruction of, or
encroachment on, rainforest in the CSIRO site, which contains
endangered and federally protected trees. This forest is an
integral part of the only bird migration corridor in South-East
Qld.
There is
massive community opposition to this project, as indicated by two
mass public meetings, and coverage on television and in the
press.
Last week, a
substantial group of residents demonstrated and formed a picket
at the NSP, indicating the high level of emotion behind local
opposition to this project going ahead.
A petition
with over 1000 signatures opposing the NSP was presented to State
Parliament recently.
We would be
most grateful for your reconsideration of the involvement in
CSIRO in the NSP, as this project is not in the interests of the
local community. The site at Meiers Rd is too small to meet
the long-term needs of the NSP, and road access is clearly
inadequate.
There are
many other far more suitable and larger sites available in
Brisbane, which are owned by CSIRO, DPI, DNR and the Qld
University.
Yours
sincerely,
Bruce Wilson
Andrew Byth
Barbara Angus
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