Improvements to the health of Port Pirie residents, especially children, have been welcomed by Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP, following an announcement of funding from the State Government.

“I can speak on behalf of all Port Pirie residents in congratulating the State Government for finally turning its attention to the health and wellbeing of this community. The initiative has been well overdue,” Mr Brock said.

There will be a range of strategies to support the greening of Port Pirie’s streets, including reduction of dust levels and lead exposure.

The State government has allocated $875,000 which will comprise $125,000 in small grants for plantings, $250,000 for the creation of a Master Plan and $500,000 for a water feasibility study for Port Pirie.

“SA Housing will also invest $2.54 million into upgrading 43 public housing properties in Port Pirie over the next 18 months,” Mr Brock said.

“These upgrades will target housing in higher risk areas of Port Pirie to reduce exposure to lead.”

Mr Brock said he also appreciated the forthcoming waster feasibility study.

“Access to healthy water supply is such a critical issue and I look forward to seeing some solutions and strategies which can be used into the future.”

Mr Brock said he hoped the Minister would consider previous work the Port Pirie Regional Council had already done regarding water supply studies, particularly in regard to working with SusTech Innovative Sustainable Technologies in approximately 2013 and other water projects undertaken over the past 15 years.

“I will also be writing to TLAP (the Targeted Lead Abatement Program) regarding working with the Port Pirie Regional Council to completely seal all footpaths in residential areas – particularly those in high-risk locations – which would then completely eliminate any exposure to possibly contaminated soil.”

Mr Brock said he had also asked that SA Water, through the State Government, assist residents in higher risk areas with water costs, to enable more greening in our homes.

“Because we know that the more greening that is undertaken, it will reduce exposure to our younger children, but will also come at a cost.”

Mr Brock has also suggested to Port Pirie Regional Council that they utilise some of the TLAP funds, which would be Nyrstar’s finical input, plus the Port Pirie Regional Council monies, and then apply for the State and Federal grants to assist with the provision of more greening and sealing of footpaths.

ENDS