On 23 February 2010, the Director of Public Health recommended to the Tasmanian Government that a process be established to address scientific research issues raised in the Australian Story ABC television program (which ran in two parts over 15 and 22 February 2010).
The story was about water quality in the George River in Tasmania’s north-east and the possible relationship between toxic surface foam linked to eucalyptus plantations in the catchment and concerns about public and aquatic health in the region.
On 26 February 2010 the Premier invited the independent Chair of the board of Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority, John Ramsay, to oversee the gathering of the evidence and its assessment by relevant experts.
On 9 March 2010, Convenor, John Ramsay, announced the formation of a panel of scientific experts to address scientific issues raised in the program and the terms of reference within which the panel will work.
Update 29 June 2010
The George River Water Quality Panel of eminent and independent scientists today (29 June 2010) released its final report into water quality in the St Helens area. The Panel has completed its examination of the evidence following issues raised in ABC’s Australian Story program, and has passed the report findings to the Premier of Tasmania, David Bartlett.
View the Final Report and Summary Report.
This website is designed to support the work of the Panel.