Jo Faith, Newtown
Thank you so much for publishing Duncan Dey’s letter Poo flow and you advising on the potential hazards of creating sewage outflow into the Belongil. This act, in the current climate of a pandemic is totally unconscionable.
Recent research by scientists reveals that this deadly virus exists in ‘treated human waste’. As there is no remedy for this virus, this research and the dire consequences of SARS-CoV-2 stands to reason.
Years ago, before this coronavirus, a colleague used to swim in Botany Bay, assured by authorities that the ‘treated human waste’ was not dangerous to humans. An Anthropocene response. My friend developed a virus in his eyes that blinded him. Sydney-siders were alerted ‘not to swim in Sydney waters’ and ‘not to eat fish’ caught in Sydney’s inner waters.
Given that Byron Council has proceeded with NO public input into addressing the issue of this ‘treated’ human waste, and is developing an unsound sewage outlet, we can await the horrors to come. Including the predicted coastal floods – which will further activate the spread of any virus in the effluent. COVID-19 affects the brain, creating psychosis, the valves of the heart, creating strokes, the nerves in the legs, creating severe disability, erosion of the lungs, creating breathing problems, ongoing heart problems for youth who have survived an attack of the virus. This is a death virus.
Given the challenges presented, it is imperative that all DAs before Council, and those presented by Byron developers to the NSW Planning Department accept responsibly and acknowledge the current hazards attached to ‘treated human waste’ and sewage outflows. It is more than ironic that the current ‘poo remedy’ directly affects the high-end tourist resort, Elements.
Whilst this information addresses the Anthropocene discourses in this situation, it must be remembered that when the rights of nature are violated, zoonotic diseases spread… animal to human and visa versa.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
