While the revenue generated by such visits is appreciated, the Eden population should also be made aware of the potential dangers to health caused by the large volume of noxious fumes which may be released into the atmosphere while such ships are anchored in the bay.

In this regard I refer your readers to the ABC Radio National program Background Briefing which was broadcast on Sunday March 15, titled Cruising’s Dirty Secret. 

This broadcast is currently available on the ABC website as a podcast.

The program detailed the problems being experienced by the residents in Balmain’s White Bay area caused by the release into the atmosphere of poisonous gases generated by the burning of cheap low grade bunker oil while cruise ships are berthed in the area.

The burning of such fuels has been banned in Europe and within 200 nautical miles of ports in the United States.

I urge the Eden poulace to seek out further information on the potential health risks so that they will know of the danger should the number of cruise ship visits increase in coming years.

E C Spinks

Eden