The Fresh Air People?

Victory has been all but secured in the Toormina campaign. Woolworths announced on ABC regional radio recently that they would not be building the petrol station next to the preschool, however this is yet to be confirmed in writing.

The LEAD Group would like to congratulate all those involved in the Toormina campaign.

Supermarket giant Woolworths showed heartless indifference to the health and well-being of the toddlers of Toormina by applying to build a petrol station next door to an existing preschool. This was despite overwhelming opposition from local families and leading environmental groups, including The LEAD Group.

Although Woolworths are to be congratulated on their decision, the question remains why the decision took so long to make.

“Profit is obviously more important to Woolworths than the health of these most vulnerable members of our community. It makes a mockery of their publicity campaigns which shows them as the family-friendly supermarket chain” said Elizabeth O’Brien, Coordinator of the LEAD Group.

Another issue to consider is the potential for Council liability. Councils considering granting building applications where lead is involved (for example in petrol or leaded paint) are invited to read the article "Are Councils Lead Liable?" in Lead Aware Times, vol. 1, no. 1, 1998, pp.3-6.)