Norfolk Island Council defends waste management amid illegal asbestos dumping fears
The illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated material is creating health risks for those who dump the material and potentially to others, the Norfolk Island Rregional Council says.
Photo:
RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
The Norfolk Island Regional Council says people on the island are illegally dumping construction and demolition waste that potentially contains asbestos.
RNZ Pacific has been receiving complaints from members of the island community who believe the council has been hiding asbestos under mulch instead of exporting it to mainland Australia.
Norfolk Island Regional Council acting general manager Philip Reid said asbestos is not being buried as part of the council's waste management operations.
Reid said construction and demolition waste that had been illegally dumped was temporarily moved and covered with mulch.
"This is due to the potential for the material to contain asbestos following unauthorised disposal by waste management centre users," Reid said.
According to Health New Zealand
, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of many small fibres which are very strong and are highly resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and wear.
It says asbestos can increase the risk of developing cancer and the main way people are exposed to asbestos is by breathing in air that contains asbestos fibres.
A statement from the Norfolk Regional Council said the illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated material is creating health risks for those who dump the material and potentially to others.
It said exporting asbestos waste off-island is costly for residents.
"One alternative to export could be the development of an engineered disposal pit on Norfolk Island specifically for asbestos waste, which could reduce transport costs but would require careful design to meet planning and environmental legislation.
"This option would need to consider the initial cost to develop and construct the pit and also look at the implications of monitoring the pit in the long term."
The statement said the council, in the meantime, is developing a community awareness campaign aimed at curbing the illegal and dangerous dumping of asbestos.
"The current interim measures of maintaining secure storage during relocation will minimise risks until a permanent solution is implemented."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Wellness Industry's Dark Side: Experts Warn Of Dangers In RNZ Podcast The Lodge
The global wellness industry, valued at approximately $5 trillion, harbours a dangerous underbelly, according to a new RNZ podcast. Unproven therapies and charismatic gurus can lead vulnerable individuals away from life-saving medical treatments, the investigation reveals. " The Lodge", an eight-part series by journalist Phil Vine, examines the rise of wellness culture through the story of Aiping Wang. Wang, a Chinese-born guru established a following first in Eastern Europe, then in New Zealand's remote Fiordland. She offered her followers the possibility of healing without medicine. Several experts featured in the podcast warn that social media has supercharged problematic wellness claims, creating an environment where influencers can reach millions with unproven health advice. "What's new is the rise of social media and many digital technologies that enable ordinary individuals to build a brand online and to reach a vast global audience," explains Dr Stephanie Baker from City University in London. She's the author of Wellness Culture: How the Wellness Movement Has Been Used to Empower, Profit and Misinform. The podcast explores how wellness movements often exploit legitimate distrust in conventional healthcare systems, what Dr Baker calls the "low trust society." Dr Jon-Patrick Allem, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences from Rutgers University, New Jersey, notes this dynamic in his research. "The wellness industry is so appealing to people because there's a lot of problems with medicine," Allem explains. "There's a lot of problems with how one interacts with their physician, when they see their physician, what their physician is versed in to communicate." The podcast documents real-world consequences through the stories of Wang's followers who rejected conventional treatment for conditions including: breast cancer, melanoma, and HIV after hoping for cures through "energy healing". Allem highlights a particularly concerning wellness trend: "What I am seeing in the social media space is individuals claiming to have alternative ways to not just prevent a cancer diagnosis, but to cure a cancer diagnosis." Dr Emily Yang from Western Sydney University, who has trained in traditional Chinese medicine, warns against using unproven therapies as substitutes for evidence-based treatments: "For example I would never claim Tai Chi can treat cancer," she says, advocating instead for complementary approaches alongside conventional medicine. The podcast examines the psychological appeal of wellness gurus, with Baker noting that people often turn to such figures during tough times - an aspect she calls "situational vulnerability". "It could be the situation involving the death of a loved one or possibly divorce. A moment when one feels less stable. They're often searching for answers, for meaning." New Zealand cult expert Anke Richter identifies a clear warning sign in wellness practices: exclusivity. When practitioners insist their method is the only acceptable approach and discourage conventional medical treatment, it can have fatal consequences. "There's a quiet death toll," Richter explains. The podcast connects these modern wellness trends to the rise of figures such as Dr Joe Dispenza, who claims to cure cancer through "coherence healing" and has amassed 3.6 million Instagram followers. Allem warns listeners to be sceptical of practitioners who make expansive claims: "The wellness industry, broadly defined, is so appealing to people because there's a lot of problems with medicine. But that doesn't mean that wellness practices should replace proven treatments." Baker offers advice for those concerned about loved ones who may be falling under the influence of questionable wellness practitioners: "Don't cut them off. It's the worst thing you can do. Through maintaining a sense of common ground with these people, rather than just dismissing their belief system, you can help them see contradictions." For consumers navigating the wellness landscape, experts recommend maintaining open communication with conventional healthcare providers and being wary of any practitioner who suggests abandoning proven medical treatments entirely.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Life X DNA™ Expands Access To Genetic Methylation Testing In Canberra
Life X DNA™, an Australia-based provider of advanced DNA analysis, has announced the availability of its genetic methylation testing in Canberra services in Canberra, ACT. The company's at-home test kits are designed to offer individuals insights into their genetic methylation pathways, including analysis of the MTHFR gene and related health markers. Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process that influences DNA repair, detoxification, cardiovascular health, and neurological function. Variations in genes such as MTHFR can impact the efficiency of these processes, potentially affecting an individual's risk for certain health conditions. Through methylation tests, users can assess their genetic predispositions and receive information that may assist in making informed decisions about diet, supplementation, and lifestyle. The Life X DNA™ service utilises a simple cheek swab to collect DNA samples, which are then analysed using next-generation sequencing and AI-powered software. According to the company, the analysis covers over 200 million SNPs and more than 80 million variants. The resulting reports provide detailed information on methylation efficiency, MTHFR gene variants, homocysteine levels, and associated health risks. Recommendations are tailored to the individual's genetic profile. In Canberra, genetic methylation testing is available via mail-order kits, making the process accessible without the need for clinic visits. The reports generated from these tests are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Life X DNA™ is fully Australian owned and operated, with data privacy and security protocols in place. The company states that personal genetic data is not shared with third parties and is stored securely offline. The expansion of genetic methylation testing in Canberra reflects growing interest in personalised health insights based on DNA analysis. Life X DNA™'s services are also available in other major Australian cities and New Zealand.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Papua New Guinea declares national HIV crisis as infections surge
Article – RNZ The country's health minister says the rise in new HIV infections is 'deeply concerning', with cases doubling since 2010 and an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Papua New Guinea is grappling with a severe resurgence of HIV, prompting the government to declare a National HIV Crisis. New data reveals a doubling of new infections since 2010, with an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024, totaling approximately 11,000 new cases last year alone. This alarming trend highlights a deepening crisis, particularly impacting women, children, and young people. A deeply concerning aspect of this resurgence is the high rate of mother-to-child transmission. In 2024, around 2,700 infants were newly infected with HIV, equating to about seven babies per day. The primary reason for these preventable infections is that most mothers were unaware of their HIV status and, consequently, did not receive the crucial antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read more: This significant gap in maternal health services highlights the urgent need to boost antenatal care uptake and broaden HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services for all pregnant women across the nation. 'The rise in new HIV infections in PNG is deeply concerning. And as such, I am declaring this a National HIV Crisis,' Health Minister Elias Kapavore said. Kapavore further stressed the societal roots of the epidemic and his commitment to addressing them. 'HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step-up. 'I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.' Department of Health acting secretary Ken Wai echoed Kapavore's call to action, emphasising the need for expanded access to vital services. 'We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk.' He added that these critical initiatives need to be available at health facilities nationwide and will require robust community leadership and support. The World Health Organisation PNG country representative Dr Sevil Huseynova highlighted the importance of robust health systems in the fight against HIV. 'We must strengthen our health systems to ensure universal access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for pregnant women and young people. 'This is a test of our collective commitment to health for all. WHO stands firmly with the Government of Papua New Guinea to scale up integrated, person-centered care that leaves no one behind.' UNAIDS PNG country director Manoela Manova strongly endorsed the statements from Kapavore and Wai, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of stigma. 'This is a shared public health crisis that demands shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in dismantling harmful myths, stigma, and discrimination associated with HIV,' Manova said. These attitudes undermine prevention, testing and treatment efforts, and hold us back from ending HIV as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.' The United Nations says it will provide as much support as needed to the government to contain this crisis. The declaration of a National HIV Crisis will trigger an emergency response plan, aiming to enhance cross-sector coordination and prioritize investments in HIV services at all levels.
