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JUNE 7 2013 ISSUE 1106
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT CIRCULATION: 59,069
THE HEARTBEAT OF PENRITH
DOCTOR THREAT Is the humble family doctor under threat? A number of local doctors who are organising a forum at Penrith Paceway next week believe it most certainly is. “The government is encouraging large clinics as opposed to the smaller, privately owned surgeries that provide that personal care,” Dr Adrian Sheen told the Weekender. Concerned locals are being encouraged to attend the forum.
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Still living out of a suitcase: Troy Lancaster, wife Kate, and children Amy and Lachlan have no idea when they will be able to return home. Inset: A cordoned off Telstra pit.
Families in limbo
RIVER PLAN Time to reconnect with our “natural gem” PAGE 6
Hotel is home for now as asbestos drama rolls on
T
CASSANDRA O'CONNOR
roy Lancaster and his young family are still living out of a hotel room in Penrith’s Chifley Hotel, awaiting news that they can return to their Evan Street home. Mr Lancaster’s house and family was exposed to asbestos on May 7 after Telstra contractors failed to follow asbestos-handling guidelines whilst preparing a communications pit for the installation of the National Broadband Network. “We are still in the Chifley and are trying to work with Telstra and Service Stream on a plan to have our home remediated,” he said. “It is very difficult for my two kids, they are not
used to living in a small space without many of their things.” Mr Lancaster said that the family has been attending meetings with Telstra, including on Tuesday night, however a meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening was cancelled last minute. When the Weekender went to print, Mr Lancaster said the family still had no idea as to when they would be able to move back home. “It is difficult as there are things that Telstra wishes to consider, and for us, there is always the thought of whether we will be moving back into a home that is safe,” he said. “Telstra is getting the house tested and certified when we move back in though, that has defi nitely been discussed.”
The meeting between residents and Telstra on Tuesday night was attended by Lindsay MP David Bradbury, Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy and Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten. “The meeting was very constructive. Telstra has taken full responsibility for this issue and we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the safety of local residents remains the number one priority,” Mr Bradbury said. Meanwhile, testing of pits in Penrith continued this week to determine whether other areas have been contaminated with asbestos debris. PriceWaterhouseCoopers is working as Telstra’s independent advisers to help review asbestos-handling systems and processes.
PROVING A POINT Basketball side is on the improve PAGE 78
30/08/2013
30/08/2013
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