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November 24, 2011

Photo caption: Councillor Lyn Paton, Fisheries Queensland General Manager Fisheries Habitat and Assessment John Robertson, Chief Executive Officer Australian Institute of Marine Science Dr Ian Poiner, Mayor Gail Sellers, Science Leader Australian Institute of Marine Science Dr David Parry and Cr Graham McDonald pictured at today's meeting.

Councillors back independent panel to provide fish health answers

Gladstone Regional Councillors are confident the community will soon be better informed about Gladstone Harbour's health after a meeting with members of an independent scientific advisory panel.

Councillors today met with members of the independent Gladstone Fish Health Scientific Advisory Panel seeking answers to the questions regarding the harbour's health.

Gladstone Mayor Gail Sellers said the advisory panel would oversee the fish health testing being conducted by State Government bodies, ensuring the correct collection and reporting procedures were being adhered to.

"The advisory panel has full access to all the data collected by State Government agencies," Cr Sellers said.

"The panel is truly independent with a genuine interest in ensuring if testing uncovers any problems with fish or human health, then those results will be made available to the public immediately.

"Those comprising the panel are putting their own personal and professional reputations on the line, along with those of the bodies they represent."

Cr Sellers said advisory panel members today envisaged they would complete their report to State Environment Minister Vicky Darling next month and that the results of toxicology testing would be completed within a week.

Gladstone Harbour has been the subject of scientific testing since its closure to fishing on September 16 following reports of fish exhibiting lesions and cloudy eyes. ______MEDIA INFORMATION: For further information contact Council’s Community Relations Section on 4976 6911.