Cruise industry in 'denial', causes public protest

Cruise industry in 'denial', causes public protest
By admin


Despite cruising regularly featured as contributing heavily to NSW’s economy, Leichhardt Council are opposing the use of the White Bay Cruise Terminal, accusing cruise liners of causing air pollution.

Some 170 cruise lines use the terminal each year, driven out of the Overseas Passenger Terminal due to increased demand, but the council claims ships are causing air pollution by keeping their engine’s running while docked at the $57 million terminal, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph today.

The council is now producing two giant banners, one to highlight its environmental concern, the other aimed at “embarrassing the NSW government into acting to stop potentially dangerous levels of airborne chemicals flowing into nearby homes,” the report states.

According to the paper, Carnival Cruise Lines ceo Ann Sherry has hit back against the council, branding its negative campaign as “short-sighted” and risked thousands of jobs the lucrative cruising sector brings to the state.

The paper stated Sherry had accused the council of “politicking and unfairly catching thousands of international and interstate cruise visitors in the political crossfire leading up to the March state election”.

“As the peak of the summer cruise season approaches the rest of Sydney is holding up the welcome banner. Council’s short-sighted stance shows no understanding of the thousands of businesses, jobs and NSW families that benefit from the economic activity generated by cruising” Sherry said.

“This includes businesses and individuals supplying ships with fresh food and produce, driving taxis or delivering local tours in Sydney and in regional areas.”

The paper cites Independent Leichhardt councillor John Stamolis stating that despite the ship being forced to run their engines, as there was no ship-to-shore power at White Bay, they would be proceeding with the banners, one to appear across Balmain’s main road, Darling Street.

“The other will be a large mobile banner and make regular appearances near the White Bay terminal so passengers can see what’s going on,” he told the paper.

“The cruise ship industry remains in denial about the severe impact it is having on local residents.”

Latest News