YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THIS WINTER: LEAVE BBQS AND OUTDOOR HEATERS OUTSIDE

As the days and nights get colder, NSW Health is reminding people to never use outdoor heaters or BBQs inside their home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. NSW Poisons Information Centre’s Medical Director Dr Darren Roberts said outdoor heaters and BBQs produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you can’t see, taste or smell. “Last year, we received an increase in the number of calls related to carbon monoxide poisoning so we are warning people to be safe in how they heat their homes this winter,” Dr Roberts said. “Any outdoor device that burns fuel can produce carbon monoxide, even if there is no smoke. This includes barbeques using charcoal beads or briquettes and outdoor gas heaters and lanterns. “When carbon monoxide is breathed in it decreases oxygen use by the heart, brain and other vital organs. This can cause unconsciousness and, in some cases, result in death.” Carbon monoxide poisoning can affect anyone, but babies, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness. People with more severe poisoning may faint or lose consciousness, and in some instances, suffer permanent brain injury or death. If you suspect someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). If English is not your main language and you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be transferred to the Poisons Information Centre. More information about how to reduce risk and exposure this winter is available at Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

20 weeks with no money! Where’s the help for families hit by the Clarence prawn disaster?

Member for Page Kevin Hogan has slammed the Federal Government for its lack of care for Clarence families affected by the White Spot Disease (WSD) outbreak.

“20 weeks have passed since this disaster became apparent and there’s been zero help from the Federal Labor

Government as many of the families struggle to put food on the table” Mr Hogan said.

“They needed help four months ago. Now it’s beyond urgent.

“The lack of a response from Labor’s Primary Industries Minister is appalling considering a State and Federal WSD rescue package was negotiated by the former Coalition Government and implemented following an outbreak in the Logan River in 2017.

“So it’s not as though they have to reinvent the wheel here, there’s already a formula in place. It really seems to me like they just don’t care.

“Confirmation the lockdown will continue for the next two years makes it even more traumatic for those families waiting desperately for help.

“The Albanese Government needs to get its priorities right and help these families now,” Mr Hogan said.

FOOD-AFFECTED RESIDENTS JOIN GMP LAW’S CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION

Hundreds of floodaffected residents in the Northern Rivers community have registered to join a potential class action lawsuit against the government.

Gerard Malouf & Partners (GMP Law) is investigating the impact of the M1 Pacific Highway construction between Ballina and Grafton, and its relationship to the flood damage caused to the Northern Rivers community.

Residents report that the highway acted like a dam, exacerbating the floods that caused devastation to the community in February and March 2022.

GMP Law’s objective is to uncover the truth and where possible, bring a claim for the significant damages caused, including future anticipated losses.

The firm has made significant progress in its investigations, retaining a leading hydrologist and barrister to assist them.

To join the class action and stay up to date, all affected residents can register by scanning the QR Code below..