Arguments against development of the proposed canal estate in Ralphs Bay

Quotes (in red) and page references are taken from the the Lauderdale Quay Draft Integrated Impact Statement, its appenices or its Executive Summary

• Canal estates on the mainland are often associated with large populations of pest insect species, including the mosquito which transmits Ross River Fever. This is because poor flushing in the canals leads to stratification of the water, with brackish water floating above heavier, more saline water layers below. Ross River Fever is already an increasing threat to the residents of Eastern Tasmania, and is predicted to be more of a problem in coming years. Apart from the occupants of the proposed almost 500 homes in Ralphs Bay, the 1000 members of the Lauderdale school community would be among the canal estate's nearest neighbours. The threat of this disease would impact on the whole community. Creating an extensive breeding ground for Ross River Fever in Ralphs Bay is an unacceptable risk.

• With predictions of tens of thousands of vehicle movements involved in the initial excavation of two million cubic metres of sediments from Ralphs Bay and the importation of vast quantities of rock, sand and building materials, road safety in the Lauderdale area would be severely compromised, especially as the development is proposed for an area immediately adjacent to a school community of close to 1000 students and staff.

• Risk of human consumption of seafood containing elevated levels of toxic heavy metals, as a result of sediment disturbance.