North-Eastern Metropolitan Region
Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:33): (1240) My question today is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and I would like to ask what provisions you have in place to ensure that people who live near the current Eastern Freeway widening works are not being exposed to dangerous silica dust as the freeway noise walls are dismantled. I have seen footage of a bulldozer breaking down these walls with another worker standing well back, quite far back, lightly hosing the area. I am concerned that this is not sufficient to prevent the silica dust particles being spread to nearby homes. These particles can cause significant lung damage as they are very small and can penetrate deep into people’s lungs. Minister, please outline how nearby residents will be protected from this dangerous dust pollution.