Parliamentary Speeches
SANCTUM FACTORY CONTAMINATION ( 25/10/2007)
Mr DONALD PAGE (Ballina) [4.57 p.m.]: I bring to the attention of the House a disgraceful situation that a business in the Ballina electorate has been placed in since the construction of the Brunswick Heads to Yelgun Pacific Highway upgrade commenced some time ago. This business, Sanctum, located at Billinudgel, manufactures skincare products and provides jobs for 20 local residents. Sanctum's factory, which is located within metres of the new road, has been severely affected by the dust, vibration and noise that occurred during construction. The owner of the business, Mr Greg Milham, has made many approaches to the Roads and Traffic Authority and Abi Group seeking advice and assistance with the difficulties he has experienced. He has had no satisfaction from these parties, which led him to write to the Minister for Roads in January this year. To date he has had no response from the Minister.
This business plays an important role in the economy of the Ballina electorate. Mr Milham sells Sanctum products nationally and internationally. Since construction of the upgraded highway commenced he has lost approximately 60 per cent of his business. He has suffered losses due to contamination of product batches. He was forced to cease production completely between December 2006 and February 2007, leading to cancellation of orders and an inability to meet supplier deadlines. Mr Milham has also been forced to carry out modification works to his factory to deal with the contamination issues, which have cost him around $125,000. The works included installing an air filtration unit, as well as lining and sealing the factory walls and ceiling.
During the seven-week shutdown of the Sanctum factory, Mr Milham was unable to continue to employ his casual staff. His permanent staff agreed to either job share or take up accrued leave. He estimates that the business lost $10,000 per day during the seven-week closure. Mr Milham has been forced into the situation of having to sell his home to pay for the losses incurred due to the vibration and dust pollution caused by the construction work.
I am not disputing the requirement for the Pacific Highway to be upgraded: to the contrary. Neither is Mr Milham, for that matter. However, this Government persists in literally bulldozing through peoples lives, homes and livelihoods without proper consideration or compensation for the effect the work has on those unfortunate enough to be in their way. Mr Milham is just one of many people who have tried to seek answers from the Minister but to no avail. I am also still awaiting a response from the Minister to my request on behalf of 200 residents of the Ocean Shores area for a meeting with a small delegation to discuss the problems they have with noise.
Mr Milham commenced communication with the Roads and Traffic Authority and Abigroup in October 2005. Throughout construction Mr Milham attempted to raise the issues as they evolved with the relevant parties. After 46 emails to the Roads and Traffic Authority and Abigroup he was finally advised that he would have to take legal action to address his complaints. This is an appalling response to the situation. Due to the losses Mr Milham was already facing, taking legal action was not a financially viable option. Moreover, it should not be necessary for him to commence legal proceedings.
In his communication with both the Roads and Traffic Authority and Abigroup, Mr Milham attempted to offer compromises in relation to the operation of his business. Yet the construction parties could not pay him the courtesy of advanced warning of works that would create dust and vibration. He was not afforded the opportunity of mitigating damage to stock or limiting disruption to production. His requests for alleviation measures went unheeded. When he could not gain satisfaction from the construction team, he sought assistance from the Government. Again, he has been ignored.
I call on the Minister to at least pay Mr Milham the courtesy of a response. Surely he is entitled to that much. This situation is indicative of this Government's uncaring and insensitive attitude towards the residents of northern New South Wales. Mr Milham is one of many people who has been unfairly treated and affected by the upgrade of the Pacific Highway. I have previously called upon the Government to address the lack of provision for just compensation to those parties affected by the highway upgrade, both during construction and after completion. To date virtually no steps have been taken by this Government to accommodate these unfortunate people. Through no fault of their own, they are left out in the cold to deal with the ramifications of the highway construction themselves. They are often unable to relocate due to the decreased saleability of their property or the enormous costs involved in moving. They are left to endure a stressful situation with no alternative or compensation offered.
Mr Milham, along with most of the affected residents, accepts that the highway must be upgraded. Indeed, it is something the majority of residents on the North Coast have wanted for many years. But it is a gross injustice that affects these residents who are willing to be proactive, they want to work with the Roads and Traffic Authority and construction companies to alleviate the effects. They attend meetings and contact the Roads and Traffic Authority and the Minister for Roads, but they are ignored and unheard. I call on the Minister for Roads to address the issues I have raised today relating to Sanctum and Mr Milham at the very least.
