LIVING WITH LEAD ALLIANCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

The Living with Lead Alliance was established in 2008 and consists of representatives from Queensland Health, Department of Environment and Resource Management, Xstrata Mount Isa Mines, Mount Isa City Council and the State Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan as the chairperson. The role of the Alliance is to provide a forum for guiding and driving action on the issues of lead in the community of Mount Isa. Since 2008, the Living with Lead Alliance has established a 1800 free call information line and taken over 450 calls, and a website which over 13,049 locals and visitors have visited. In 2009 the Living with Lead Alliance initiated a LEADSmart Educational Program into all schools, kindergartens and day care centres. This program is aimed at building awareness of the Alliance’s key messages: Wet wipe, wash & eat well, to aid in the reduction of blood lead levels in our community. As a result of the education program 20 Mount Isa educational facilities are now LEADSmart and display their LEADSmart signs with pride: they are committed to educating the children on living safely with lead messages. In 2010 Squeaky the mouse became part of the LEADSmart Education Program as the Alliance’s new mascot. He has been introduced to help children learn healthy hygiene, good washing and eating habits. The Living with Lead Alliance will continue working with the remainder of facilities to also be involved in the program. 2009 saw the introduction of The Greening Mount Isa Funding Program. This State Government funding grant was designed to assist community groups to undertake projects to reduce dirt and dust in areas where children congregate, such as schools, parks and sporting fields. So far, 2 rounds of funding have been given to 21 facilities and the projects supported have received over $700,000 of funding. The overall impact of these projects has been extraordinary. All groups who received funding have reported great improvements and have received great feedback from parents and the wider community. In 2010 and 2011 The Alliance held information seminars presented by leading toxicologist Dr Mark Little, to which over 100 people attended each year. In 2011 Queensland Health released their 2010 Bled for Lead report. The report is encouraging, representing a snapshot in time, showing reduced blood lead levels in Mount Isa children. While we know many children who are being, and have been raised in Mount Isa live safely with lead, the Alliance will continue to work with the community to reduce lead levels in children. Holding these information seminars is part of our ongoing commitment to our awareness program. The Living with Lead Alliance mailed out over 8,000 letters to residents in 2011 which included a complete update of the Alliance programs and a Squeaky Fridge Magnet. The Mail out commenced in March and a number of calls were received to thank the Alliance for the information and the Squeaky magnet. The Alliance has welcomed a new project officer in 2010, Toni Glanville. Toni is an exciting new addition to the Living with Lead Alliance team. Toni has lived in Mount Isa for seven years, and is the mother of two children. Toni is passionate about Mount Isa and delivering healthy messages to the Mount Isa community in regards to lead. The Alliance has made significant progress in a short period of time, and has shown a strong commitment to helping local children and families and will continue to do so. Betty Kiernan MP Chairperson Living with Lead Alliance

The goal of the Alliance is to achieve a sustainable improvement in the health of the Mount Isa community by effectively managing how residents live and work with both naturally-occurring and non-natural sources of lead. Achieving this goal requires focus on the following objectives:

To ensure, through ongoing monitoring, that blood lead levels in

children aged between 1 and 4 years are maintained at below the World Health Organisation recommendation of 10 micrograms per decilitre (ug/dL).

To stimulate behavioural change within the community so that all

residents follow safe and hygienic practices for living and working in the Mount Isa environment.

To work cooperatively to reduce the potential for exposure to lead in all

forms.

To be accountable to the community for monitored results achieved

through regular reporting. During 2010/2011 The Living with Lead Alliance has introduced a number of programs to promote Living Safely with Lead in Mount Isa.

The living with Lead Alliance website: with over 12,000 hits for

2010, it has provided information on living with lead, a question and answer section, latest research and links to important websites.

LEADSmart Education Program: LEADSmart is a program aimed at

local primary schools, kindergartens and day care centres which encourages and supports groups in providing education and awareness of lead and how best to reduce exposure. There are 20 facilities are now taking part.

Squeaky Mascot: he has been introduced to help children learn

healthy hygiene, hand washing and eating habits. Squeaky also plays a large role within our new education program LEADSmart.

The Greening Mount Isa Funding Program:

Round One of the funding saw 15 local kindergartens, schools and day care centres receive a share in $269,000. Round Two was dedicated to local junior sporting organisations and six g r o u p s shared in a total of $400,000 of funding. The Living with Lead Alliance has attended many events throughout Mount Isa for 2010 to promote Living Safely with Lead messages to all parents, carers and children and will continue to do so through 2011. Toni Glanville

Project Officer, Living with Lead Alliance

The Mount Isa City Council is proud to be a founding member and major contributor to the Living with Lead Alliance and have been responsible for a number of initiatives which promote living safely with lead messages. The Mount Isa City Council has been supportive of the Living with Lead Alliance over the past year in the following ways:

Hosting the Living with Lead exhibition and project officer at the

2010 & 2011 Welcome Babies Day. Local community groups attend and use this opportunity to educate and inform local families about their actions and projects.

The Living with Lead Alliance was also hosted by the council in

their exhibition booth at the Xstrata Mining Expo at Buchanan Park in 2009, and again in 2010 & 2011. This event will be used to raise awareness of the alliance and its programs.

Production and distribution of the new Mount Isa City Council

water wise information flyer. This document outlines tips aligning with reducing lead exposure.

Inclusion of the Living with Lead Alliance promotional material in

the latest edition of the quarterly Isa Focus publication.

Mount Isa City Council was also successful in achieving a grant

through the Greening Mount Isa program. This funding will be used to improve local parks in line with Living with Lead principles.

The importance of a safe and healthy lifestyle for all residents of Mount Isa is one that the Mount Isa City Council takes very seriously and endeavours to improve on every day. We are proud of our association with the Living with Lead Alliance and look forward to many more years of fruitful partnership.

John M Molony Mayor of Mount Isa Mount Isa City Council

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) continued as a member of the Alliance, contributing financially and in-kind to Alliance activities. DERM provided technical support to the Alliance on contaminated land management and environmental monitoring. DERM’s near-real time air monitoring station, located at the Outback at the Isa centre in Marian Street and which was opened by the Minister for Environment and Resource Management, Hon Kate Jones MP, in May 2009, continued to provide near- real time air monitoring data to the Mount Isa community. The monitoring station is the only one of its kind in Australia and provides air monitoring data for lead and other heavy metals. The air monitoring data is updated regularly during the day to provide near-real time information. The data is provided to the community through the DERM website, which also provides Xstrata air monitoring data from its comprehensive network. The Xstrata data is updated on the website monthly. DERM closely monitors the air quality monitoring data and advises that all of the Xstrata monitoring stations in Mount Isa complied with the national air quality standard for lead in 2010. During the Queensland Health 2010 blood lead survey, DERM provided support and advice for any contaminated land issues. DERM also continued its regulatory role in transitioning Xstrata contemporary environmental standards. DERM maintains various other information on its web-site including its Mount Isa Lead Management Report. The report provides a comprehensive review of monitoring data for Mount Isa and includes a comparison with other similar smelter communities. The report includes recommendations for improved management of lead in the community, based on monitoring results and the practices adopted in similar communities. Gary O’Connor Department of Environment & Resource Management

During the 2010/11 period Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has continued its strong record of delivering ongoing environmental initiatives and continuing to meet its environmental obligations. Since acquiring Mount Isa Mines in 2003, Xstrata has now invested in excess of $275 million on over 220 environmental initiatives and we have continued our record of never exceeding regulatory limits for respirable lead at any air monitor in the Mount Isa community. We also made a significant announcement in May 2011 that we plan to invest a further $360 million over the next five years to continue improving our environmental performance. This announcement followed on from Xstrata Mount Isa Mines’ application for amendments to its Environmental Authority. This application included a new Environmental Management Plan, which was submitted to the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management. In late 2010, home owners in Mount Isa were given the opportunity to participate in the Lead Pathways Study’s Phase Two (Air) report by allowing the University of Queensland to undertake house dust sampling in their premises. The community showed overwhelming support for the house dust sampling program, with the study achieving a good geographic representation of houses across Mount Isa. Xstrata also launched its Xstrata Healthy Kids program for the local community, which provides regular, free and non-competitive activities each week across local parks for children in Mount Isa, to get them involved in physical activities that also help to build social skills in a safe and supervised environment. Since the launch of the Xstrata Healthy Kids program in March 2011, the Mount Isa community has embraced the program with around 2,700 attendances as at the end of October 2011. We have made significant progress with environmental improvements during the 2010/11 period and our goal is to continue developing the significant world class resources still remaining in Mount Isa, while continuing to fully comply with our environmental obligations. Steve de Kruijff Chief Operating Officer Xstrata Copper North Queensland

In 2010, Queensland Health conducted a second study in Mount Isa

of children aged one to four years in order to continue to monitor

blood lead levels in this age group. This followed an initial study in

2007 where 400 one to four year old Mount Isa children were tested in

order to determine their blood lead levels. This 2007 survey was

initiated due to increasing interest and concern from the general

community.

The 2010 study aimed to measure the blood lead levels of a

representative sample of Mount Isa children aged one to four years

old, in this case 167 children. Where blood lead levels were at or

exceeded the notification level of 10µg/dL (eight children) detailed

environmental audits were undertaken to identify risk factors for lead

exposure.

Queensland Health continues to case manage children with elevated

blood lead levels and to assist families in reducing their lead

exposures through advice and education and through its commitment

to the Living with Lead Alliance community partnership.

These studies expand on the existing evidence-base to continue to

guide further action to manage lead exposure in the Mount Isa

community.

Queensland Health continues to encourage all Mount Isa residents to

have an annual blood lead test, which is available free of charge at

QML Pathology, Isa Street.

John Piispanen

Queensland Health

Five Point Action Plan in response to the Queensland Health ‘Get Bled for Lead’ Report

The Mount Isa Living with Lead Alliance developed a Five Point Action Plan to ensure the community is provided with additional information about how to minimise their exposure to sources of lead. These initiatives have been completed throughout 2010 and complement the many information and monitoring services which are already established. 1. Living with Lead Alliance Secretariat – a Living with Lead Alliance Secretariat/Project Officer has been

established, providing an interface with the community. The Secretariat staff member has been available to attend community events, public meetings, child care centres, kindergartens, schools and other community forums to spread the ‘Living safely with Lead’ key messages.

2. ‘Living safely with Lead’ public information campaign – the Living with Lead Alliance Committee and Secretariat

has ensured the education program for General Practitioners and health professionals will continue across the community; and has developed and implemented the ongoing public information campaign which will remind residents and visitors of the need to take precautions against potential lead exposure, while enjoying the great lifestyle offered in Mount Isa.

3. ‘Living safely with Lead’ DVD delivered to all residential mailboxes in Mount Isa – This DVD will cover the

health effects of lead on humans and outline simple tips to minimise the risk of lead in our day-to-day lives including making use of the free and confidential lead in blood testing service available at QML on an annual basis, the importance of good nutrition and a balanced diet, washing hands before eating, washing fruit and vegetables, using mops rather than brooms and encouraging children to play in grassy areas, rather than dirt.

4. Mount Isa ‘Living safely with Lead website – the website was created to provide information on living with lead,

a question and answer section, latest research and links to important websites, the Terms of Reference of the Alliance as well as minutes of Alliance meetings.

5. Reviewed existing and developed ‘Living safely with Lead’ literature – which include the development of

specific literature for children by way of booklets for all educational facilities incorporating Squeaky and Living Safely with Lead key messages and activities. Stickers, pencil cases and magnets produced to help children relate to Squeaky and the Alliance Wet Wipe, Wash and Eat Well messages.

Brochures and posters were distributed to the following groups: All local schools, kindergartens & playgroups Government departments - DERM, QLD Health, Housing, Council, ATSIP All local employment and real estate agencies All local accommodation venues Centacare, Xstrata, Chamber of Commerce, MICDA, Family Centre, Library All local medical services Many also distributed at local events

Brochure Distribution 2010 2011

Lead in the Home 1456 3540

Lead in the Backyard 1300 3540

Diet and Lead Absorption 1270 2040

Wet Wipe, Wash & Eat Well 1254 2040

Lead and Pregnancy 1220 2040

Total 6500 13200

Poster Distribution 2010 2011

Wash your hands regularly 80 60

Provide a healthy breakfast 80 60

Wet Wipe, Wash & Eat Well 80 60

Reduce dust around the home 80 60

Free blood lead level testing 80 60

Total 400 300

Community Events the Living with Lead Alliance has attended in 2010 and 2011: Mount Isa Show Mount Isa Mining Expo Mount Isa Safe Community Designation

Ceremony Mount Isa Safe Community 8th Birthday

Celebrations Playgroup in the Park Toy Library Sessions Welcoming Babies Day Australia Day Celebrations NAIDOC Family Fun Day

The Living with Lead Alliance has taken part in many community events and meetings. The Project Officer regularly visits with local schools, kindergartens and day care centres to answer questions and ensure that all groups have sufficient information materials. Through work within the community, the Living with Lead Alliance has been able to network and develop relationships with many local businesses and community groups which have been paramount to new projects. At community events, the Alliance is able to discuss one on one the issues of lead in Mount Isa with locals and visitors. Through these community events the Alliance has received great praise for work within the community and support from many residents. The Living with Lead Alliance is also a member of the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce.

Australia Day 2011 Playgroup 2011 Community Connect 2011

The LEADSmart program is based on the Cancer Council’s ‘Sun Smart Schools’ initiative. The Living with Lead Alliance has encouraged this program to be introduced into all Mount Isa Day Care Centres, Kindergartens, Primary and Secondary Schools. The LEADSmart Education Program aims to educate Mount Isa teachers, parents, and students/children about the facts on lead, how to reduce the risk of elevated blood lead levels and promote the Living with Lead Alliance key messages: Wet Wipe, Wash and Eat Well.

In 2011, 20 educational facilities are now a part of the LEADSmart Education Program and they all display their LEADSmart Signs, and have submitted their LEADSmart policies. All educational facilities that are LEADSmart incorporate the Living with Lead Alliance key messages through school activities. Information on Living Safely with Lead is readily available at all educational facilities for new families and children enrolling at a LEADSmart School, Day Care Centre or Kindergarten. The Living with Lead Alliance will continue to work closely with all educational facilities to ensure that 100% of Mount Isa Schools, Day Care Centres and Kindergartens become LEADSmart.

Mount Isa PCYC

Central State School

Eileen Fisher Kindergarten

Healy State School

The Mount Isa Safe Community Initiative commenced in 2002, using the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) model for injury prevention. The initiative aims to create sustainable, evidence based programs. These programs in turn are targeted towards high-risk groups within the population and injury areas of significance for the local area. Within the Mount Isa Safe Community program, the Living with Lead Alliance provides a forum for guiding and driving action on the issues of lead in the community of Mount Isa. The ultimate goal of the Alliance is to achieve a sustainable improvement in the health of the Mount Isa community by effectively managing how residents live and work with both natural-occurring and non-natural sources of lead. The Living with Lead Alliance has been an active member, of the membership group and has been working tirelessly to implement a number of injury prevention strategies since coming on board in 2008. Over the past 12 months the Alliance has worked hard to implement strategies to improve education and awareness of lead in Mount Isa. The Alliance joins the safe community’s team with a mutual understanding that safety is everybody’s business.

In support of the Mount Isa community, Premier Bligh and the Queensland Government set aside $1 million for a major initiative entitled ’Greening Mount Isa’, designed to provide better recreational and environmental facilities for children and young people in Mount Isa. The fund has provided grants to community, school and sporting organisations for a broad range of activities that contribute to a healthier lifestyle for Mount Isa city’s children. The first round of Greening Mount Isa funding provided fifteen (15) local junior educational facilities with a combined total of $269,000 of funding. Funding recipients include: Mount Isa Special School, Barkly Highway State School, Happy Valley State School, Healy State School, Mount Isa Central State School, Sunset State School, St Kieran’s Catholic School, Eileen Fisher Kindergarten, Estelle Cardiff Kindergarten, Injilinji Kindergarten, Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten, Island BMX, St Pauls Lutheran Church Child Care Centre, Mount Isa Playgroup and Mount Isa PCYC . Round Two of the funding was available to local junior sporting organisations and public parks. These projects carried the same purpose of reducing dirt and dust and improving grounds for young children in Mount Isa. Round Two of the Greening Mount Isa Fund supplied $400,000 of funding to the following organisations: Mount Isa Rugby League, Mount Isa Touch Association, North West Soccer Zone, Mount Isa Softball and AFL Mount Isa as well as four public parks. These groups were awarded funds for projects such as improved irrigation and bore systems, spectator seating and improvements to existing ground cover. This funding has made significant improvements to the grounds on which children play sport in Mount Isa.

St Pauls Lutheran Child Care Centre

Estelle Cardiff Kindergarten

Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten

Living safely with lead

E-newsletter

The Living with Lead Alliance e-newsletter was created in November 2009. The newsletter is distributed quarterly to a wide range of community members. The e-newsletter has been a successful avenue for the Alliance to advertise and promote local projects and information. Subscription to the e-newsletter grew from 30 members to 150 within two months of it being introduced. Of the 150 subscribers, 30 have signed up to receive the newsletter via the Living with Lead Alliance website.

Topics covered: Greening Mount Isa Funding

Program LEADSmart Education Program Mount Isa Air Monitoring Systems Education Materials Available Moved Office Free Blood Lead Level testing

available Do you have questions about lead? How to contact us