Inquiry into potential cancer cluster resumes

THE public hearing for the investigation into a possible cancer cluster on the Bellarine Peninsula took place this week after facing several delays due to COVID-19.

The hearing took place at the Barwon Heads Community Hall on Tuesday, April 20, with proceedings beginning at 9am.

In early 2020, a judicial inquiry was opened to investigate an alarming number of cancer and auto-immune diseases occurring across the region.

A number of witnesses had the opportunity to deliver evidence to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee during the four-hour hearing.

Gareth Smith (director of city planning and economy), Lyndon Ray (coordinator of environmental health) and Peter Smith (coordinator of strategic implementation) represented the City of Greater Geelong with their submissions.

Local investigation team Discovery 3227 was the next to speak with founders Ross Harrison and Justin McEncroe having their say followed by private individuals.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton and Potential Cancer Cluster Expert Advisory Group rounded off the proceedings before breaking for lunch with more affected individuals concluding the hearing.

Originally scheduled to take place on February 10, the public hearing was postponed as Victoria entered a snap lockdown to manage a spike in COVID-19 case numbers.

At the time the committee’s chair Senator Rachel Siewert said, “this cancellation is unfortunate, but the committee’s priority has to be safety for all concerned.”

The potential cancer cluster was brought to life by Discovery 3227, who say the cause is a mosquito spraying program ran by the City of South Barwon and the City of Greater Geelong from the mid-1980s to 2012, which used a chemical called malathion.

Malathion has been linked to cancers such as Leukaemia, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, brain and breast cancer as well as autoimmune disease such as Crohn’s disease and Lupus.

The independent research group said those living near the 54-acre park commonly referred to as “The Muddies”, as well as children of Barwon Heads Primary School, have experienced abnormally high rates of cancer and autoimmune diseases from the regular spraying of pesticides during that time.

While the public hearing adjourned at 1pm, a final result determining whether a cancer cluster exists on the Bellarine Peninsula could still be months away.

The Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee was originally anticipated to hand their result down in August 2020 but, after facing delays, an extension has been granted for a June 17, 2021 deadline.