In a truly multicultural democratic event, over 500 people rallied in Arncliffe Park, Arncliffe yesterday, united by their common concern for clean air. Representatives from the Moslem, Arabic, Macedonian. Italian and Greek communities joined forces to pressure the State Government which continues to ignore the proven dangerous health effects of the unfiltered M5 East stack on thousands of families in the area.

Residents were joined by members of the Upper House who have actively supported their campaign The Hon. Dr Peter Wong (Unity Party) who was responsible for the recent private member's Bill calling for the immediate installation and maintenance of filtration equipment in the M5 East tunnel stated, "I believe it is an issue of health - not an issue of privilege - an issue of right. It is an issue of a "fair go" for Australians. The only concern of the Government is the money. If $2.5 b dollars can be found for infrastructure for buses and highways why not $10 or $20 m for the stack?

He went on "I am pleased that the Arabic community is so active. Sometimes, there is ethnic reluctance to participate maybe because of cultural backgrounds. The Arabic community is taking the lead. We need many more to become involved to build the momentum so that it is a State issue until Bob Carr gives in. "

The Hon. Peter Breen (Reform the Legal System) commented on the historic nature of the Bill and its speed through the Upper House which reflected its importance and strength of support from all sides of politics. "The issue of human rights is an issue dear to my heart and a long way from the Carr Government which pretends it is a supporter of the environment. We'll go all the way to insist on filtration of the stack and we all await with interest the RTA's estimate as to what it will cost. We refuse to back down on the issue of electrostatic precipitators. I am convinced that with community support, we will succeed. "

The Hon. Lee Rhiannon, from the Greens, congratulated residents on the way they had run the campaign, and sought a fair solution for the community. "Clean air is a fundamental right, especially when the rate of asthma is one in three of all primary school children. This will affect children, as well as older people. We need political will. The Olympic cauldron cost over $10 million - why not $10 million to clean up the stack?. Because it's not political will. The Labor Party has got it wrapped ?up. They think they don't have to worry about migrant communities."

Marrickville Councillors Sylvia Hale, Paul Fitzgerald, and Rockdale Councillor Jan Brennan, again pledged support for their constituents with Cnr Hale commenting that "The problem may start at Turrella, but as we’ve seen with the bushfires this week, it soon spreads to neighbouring suburbs like Marrickville. With the other stacks planned, it is becoming a problem for Sydney as a whole and also for the people of NSW because once filtration is installed it sets the precedent for all stacks and chimneys."

Cnr Brennan passed on the support of the new Rockdale mayor, Cnr Shaoquett Moselmane, and again promised to continue lobbying the Government and Mrs Chikarovski who has already pledged her support on the issue, and also sent a strong message of support which was read out to the rally.

There were once again, no representatives from the State Government present and residents will watch with interest on how local members George Thompson MP Andrew Refshauge MP, Cherie Burton MP and Kevin Moss MP vote on the Bill.

Moslem community spokesperson, Haji Fatima Hamdan, told the rally "It is our responsibility as human beings and as Moslems to be concerned about health, our community and the environment. Many from the Moslem community could not be here today because of the Palestinian rally in the city, but we are all very concerned about this issue and demand that the government filter the fumes from the stack. If it's a money issue, the government found money for the Bondi volley ball stadium yet they're not concerned about the health of the community."

Gina Braga, representing the Macedonian community commented on the fact that they had been let down by the Labor Party. "We have been voting for the Labor Party for many years. If this is how we are treated, perhaps we have to start thinking along the opposite way. It is unbelievable that third world countries such as Vietnam and Korea can see the sense in filtering the fumes from their tunnels, and our government does not."

Speaking in Greek, Peter Siapos said that this was a problem facing the whole community: "People of many different cultures live peacefully and happily in this area, and intend to live here for a long time. Their lungs should not be used as filters for 40-80kgs of cancer causing particles a day. We need to use all our contacts to make sure the Government listens and put in filtration so our families' health is not put at risk."

Residents will now take their fight to Parliament House as the Bill is debated in the Lower House, when Parliament resumes next week. Communities have vowed to escalate the pressure on the Government to ensure the passage of the Bill.

Media Contacts :

RAPS Peter Siapos: 0414 891 525, Charles Briers: 9559 1278 or 0407 022 242, Giselle Mawer 9558 3943or 0418 663821

El- Zahra Mosque: 9599 1839

Macedonian Community: 9560 5862