Fox and Chickens

This timeline includes a range of information from various sources. The initial timeline (from 1989 to 1996)

has been sourced from the NSW Auditor General's report (Performance Audit Report, Sydney Showground,

Lease to Fox Studios Australia, 1996-97). Other information has been collected and collated by Josephine Wadlow-Evans, Kevin and Yvonne Winter, Professor Chris Winder, Dr. Mark Donohoe, Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Hong Hua.

1. Laying the Ground For Fox Studios Australia
(Most of this material is taken from Auditor General Report - Tony Harris)

	2nd November 1989	The Government announces that the RAS signed a letter of intent for the relocation of the RAS from Moore Park to Homebush Bay.

	8th December 1992	The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (Royal Easter Show) Amendment Act 1993 was assented to, its salient points being the repeal of the RAS Act 1911 and vesting the Sydney Showground in CPMPT on 8 June 1993.

	7th June 1993	The Amendment Act's operative date was 7 June 1993.

	18 October 1994	The Prime Minister's Creative Nation Statement announced News Corporation's wish, through 20th Century Fox to develop a major film studio complex at the Sydney Showground. See more >>

	8 November 1994	The Minister for the Arts announced that 20th Century Fox would have to compete with other tenderers for the proposed studios at the Sydney Showground.

	8 December 1994	The dates for the closure of the Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions and the content of the call for expressions was signed off.

	9 December 1994	The Minister for the Arts made a press release announcing that the Government would call for EOI in the development and operation of a film studio complex at Sydney Showground site. The press release states "...the Government, has in place clear guidelines for proposals of this nature and these guidelines will be followed".

	10 December 1994	The first advertisement of the EOI appears.

	3 February 1995	The close off date and time for EOI submissions to be lodged in the tender box at Property Services Group.

	10 February 1995	The Evaluation Committee (EC) met and agreed that only 4 respondents satisfied the key EOI requirement/preference and that there would be clarification talks with the shortlisted respondents.

	16 February 1995	The probity auditor is engaged. See ICACs view of the probity audit >> See Auditor-General's reveiw of probity audit issues >>

	28 February 1995	The Evaluation Committee (EC) report compiled/submitted advising that the Government could go to tender or enter direct negotiations with one or more respondents.

	28 February 1995	Submission by the Ministry for the Arts to the Minister for the Arts advising "...that the level of benefits.... from Fox's proposal justify a decision to....go into direct negotiations with Fox".

	3 March 1995	The Minister for the Arts announces three companies/major bids remain from the EOI for further detailed negotiation. The Minister also said "A probity auditor has acted throughout the evaluation phase and has advised that as an alternative to going to tender, the process of evaluation may be suspended at this stage and oneonone discussions undertaken".

		The [NSW] Legislative Assembly is prorogued and in accordance with "caretaker" Government conventions no decision is made on the lease of the Showground following the EOI nor were any negotiations held with remaining EOI respondents.

	20 March 1995	The front page of the Sydney Morning Herald gives selective quotes from the Department of State and Regional Development report/briefing note to the Premier and advises that News Corporation is threatening to take its planned studio complex from Sydney to Melbourne.

	20 to 23 March 1995	Comments are publicly made, by the then Opposition spokesman on finance, (Michael Egan) to the effect that the Opposition would deal directly and exclusively with News Corporation.

	25 March 1995	The State Election was held and resulted in a change of Government in NSW.

	12 April 1995	News Corporation wrote to the Premier outlining considerations and requirements in respect of a Fox Filmed Entertainment Australian production facility at the Sydney Showground site.

	20 April 1995	The Government announces that it will enter into negotiations with Fox Filmed Entertainment to develop the Sydney Showground as a film studio complex and that the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) has decided to suspend the assessment of the other EOIs while clarification is sought of the Fox proposals.

	3 July 1995	DSRD and Fox execute a broad Heads of Agreement as a result of detailed consideration of the News Corporation proposal of 12 April 1995 and subsequent negotiations.

	14 November 1995	The NSW Premiers office releases a joint press release with Fox Studios outlining the background to and a "description" of an agreement between the NSW Government and Fox Studios. See the release and documentation >> The probity auditor submits a retrospective report to DSRD, structured on the lines of certain questions which had arisen publicly. The Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning in accordance with the Environmental Planning Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) recommended to the Governor the making of State Environmental Planning Policy Number 47 (SEPP47). The zoning of the Sydney Showground site from Open Space (Restricted Access) to its current use was the result of SEPP47.



	23 November 1995	A side letter to the FIASA is executed by the Treasurer (on behalf of the Ministerial Corporation for Industry) and Fox. The side letter relates to the contemplated lease between the RAS and Fox.

	28 November 1995	The Treasurer as Minister for State and Regional Development and as Minister administering the State Development Industry Assistance Act 1966 signs the FIASA.

	29 December 1995	ICAC wrote to the Member for Bligh (Clover Moore) advising that there were no indications of corrupt conduct and therefore complaint(s) received were not sustained.

	19 June 1996	The NSW Lower House debates motion to have the Auditor-General review the the proposal to lease and develop the Sydney Showground. Read the debate in Hansard

	19 June 1996	The Legislative Council requests the AuditorGeneral to review the proposal to lease and develop the Sydney Showground. See the full report >>

	27 September 1996	The RAS executes a lease (40 years with an option to renew for a further 10 years) with Fox for 24.3 hectares of the Sydney Showground site. Simultaneously the Olympic Co-ordination Authority and the RAS execute an agreement which sets out the arrangements for the relocation of the RAS to Homebush Bay. See the lease >>
	Auditor General's finding:	From Executive Summary: "The audit finds that the process commenced under the former government were intended to ensure that no one party was placed above another: In the event, the actual processes employed up to the general election in March 1995 were so flawed as not to be relied upon to select a preferred proponent or to justify dispensing with a tender process." See the full report >>
2. Demolition and Construction of Factory Sites (1997 - 2006) Much of the material contained in this section was obtained by JWE with the assistance of Malcolm Jones through a call for papers in the Legislative Council in 2002.
	20th March 1997	Letter from Kim Williams, CEO of Fox Studios Australia, to South Sydney Council regarding rates. See the letter >>

	25th September 1997	Letter to Kim Williams, from South Sydney City Council, requesting “rates” be paid – Fox declined to pay and involved solicitors and QC Allen, Allen and Helmsley – letter signed by FSA representative counsel, Noel Hemmings QC See the legal opinions about the issue >> See the corrospondence about this matter >> See the Deed of Release >>

	December 1997	Auditor-General's review released. See the report>>

	13th December 1997	Article in SMH by Paola Totaro – Show and Tell See proquest reproduction of this article >>

	30th May 1998	NSW Legislative Assembly – Sydney Showground Lease Documentation From Hansard "The Auditor-General reported that a Senior Treasury Officer who was involved in the Sydney Showground Lease Project shredded working files before they could be made available to the Auditor-General" Pg 4229 – Ms Moore (Bligh)

	1999	Complaints received by Fox Studios Australia during 1999. See the log >>

	2000	Complaints received by Fox Studios Australia during 2000. See the log >>

	2001	Complaints received by Fox Studios Australia during 2001. Note that complaints logging ends in May of this year. See the log >>

	February 2002	Interview with Godric Cole, a set designer who worked on the MATRIX 2 and 3 at the Fox Studios Australia site, is published by Warner Bros. This interview indicates the range of activities that were undertaken by a film production without a licence from the NSW EPA. See the interview >>

	June 2002	BBC Consulting Planners Statement of Environmental Effects accompanying DA 22 189-6-02 state that: “The proposed Craft Shop will create no significant adverse environmental impacts”. (p 24, section 8) Undated letter from Mick O’Flynn, Manager Sydney Local government to Robert Black in relation to noise, page 2 raises concerns about Hyder Consulting acoustic Statement of Environmental Effects. This document, which is in the Appendix (7) of the BBC Consulting Planners Statement of Environmental Effects, states that: "...activity patterns occurring within the craftshop will be typical of a large domestic handyman garage." p1 Holmes Air Sciences report on Building 36 was also a part of this Statement of Environmental Effects but does not appear to have raised any concerns, despite the fact that Page 1, section 2 on Background notes that "At that stage no emissions data was available" and that modelling was done "...based on analysis of on-site activities and discussion with users of the shop about likely usage of products containing volatile materials." NOTE: 1)EPA licence not applied to the FSA site at this time. 2)A number of these substances were not explicitly listed in the materials inventory supplied to the Department of Planning NSW. Particularly Toluene, Benzene, Chloroform, Dichloromethane, Hexane FIND HOLMES AIR SCIENCE REPORT FROM PRE-DETERMINATION in 2002 - to be scanned. Question for this is whether or not the statements made in later reports are in this report -

	17th June 2002	Notice of Development Application by Fox Studios for demolition of Paddington Pavilion and construction of "CRAFTSHOP" dropped into local resident’s letters boxes and posted on nearby telegraph pole in area. See the notification >>

	11th July 2002	Letter from Susanna Savolainen A/Manager Sydney Local Government to Robert Black of Planning NSW (DUAP)… “The development etc… The EPA will only provide specific comments… this only applies to noise and water. See the letter >>

	27th July 2002	JWE talks to Sydney Water contractor who is excavating hole in Poate road opposite FSA site. Contractor says that site operators preparing to cut water off for ‘Workshop site excavations’. JWE contacts Sydney Water who deny knowing anything about the ‘digging’ - state that they have nothing on their ‘computer files’, and no contractor working for them.

	31st July 2002	Letter from JWE to Robert Black of Planning NSW (DUAP) objecting to Development and asking for list of chemicals so that an independent third party (Professor Chris Winder) could undertake an to carry out an Environmental Impact Study on behalf of Community. See Letter >> Two other submissions to the original DA process (made public during the call for papers in December 2002). See these submissions >> No post-determination notices received by residents as at this date. See EPA&Act 1979 (revised) Section 81>> JWE contacted SCG staff member questioning “Craft Shop” designation and is told that staff at the SCG had been complaining to management about the ‘fumes’ and 'wood dust' from buildings adjacent to them (building 36). SCG staff member told by SCG Management that staff members were employed by the Government, so either ‘shut up or ship out’. SCG staff member also claims that FSA had been demolishing "heritage" buildings without permission and that old photographs of the area showed the changed topography[ from the skies imagery or from contact - possibly both]. (Note:SCG is under the control of Centennial and Moore Park Trust through the Sydney Cricket and Sporting Ground Trust for which the Minister for Sport and Recreation)

	8th August 2002	Lee Rhiannon (Greens) writes letter to Dr. Andrew Refshauge, asking that he: "...take all steps possible to call a halt to the work on this project and to re-advertise the application making it clear that it involves the use of dangerous and toxic chemicals." See the letter >>

	14th August 2002	Article appears in WENTWORTH COURIER by Pam Walker – Fox lodges plans for craft shop – Michael Harvey CEO of Fox interviewed. Michael Harvey refers to the 3,500 sq metre factory as being likened to a ‘school workshop’. Internal Memo from Gillian Reffell to Lesley Corkhill, Mick O’Flynn of EPA cc. Vickie Comins – refers to Planning NSW application for a Factory known as Building 36 – and that they (EPA) were concerned with the Plan and use of ‘Roller Doors’. This memo states that: “that everyone (quite reasonably) felt would be left open and compound impacts for neighbours. I don’t recall what happened. Thought this background may be useful incase the current proposal has similar characteristics”.

	15th August 2002	JWE writes an open letter to Planning NSW – highlights the above article and asks again for lists of chemicals and materials. See letter>>

	16th August 2002	JWE contacted Dr. Vickie Shepherd by phone. JWE outlined concerns with reference to the “Factory” and its health impact. She asked who was dealing with “IT”. JWE said PNSW, she said “NO” who was dealing with “IT”. She asked who was the actual person dealing with the Development at PNSW. JWE said that it was Robert Black. She said that in that case there was nothing that could be done other than to try ensuring that ‘the impacts into the surrounding community from the factory operations could be lessened, if at all possible”. She also confirmed that there was very little she could do to help.

	17th August 2002	JWE recieves telephone call from Robert Black, Director of Urban Assessment, PNSW. He concedes that ‘contractors’ for Sydney Water were on site prior to consent being given.

	24th August 2002	Robert Black, the Director of Urban Assessments, approved the demolition of Paddington Pavilion and three sheds and erection of “new-craft shop”recommends that Minister for Planning does the same. See the approval >>

	27th August 2002	Complaints received by Fox Studios that trucks were removing materials from building. JWE contacted Daniel Keary of Planning NSW, by phone to discuss operations and to ask for a list of ‘materials to be used on site’ in manufacturing operations. Rod Allen of Fox Studios Australia refused to disclose a list of chemicals/materials being used on the site, stating that as they change every day it would be too difficult to give an accurate list. See the memo >> Daniel Keary states to JWE that Planning NSW is happy with this arrangement.

	29th August 2002	Final approval signed by the Minister for Planning NSW, Dr. Andrew Refshauge. See the approval >>

	14th November 2002	JWE receives letter regarding her complaint to EPA Pollution Line (ref. 57205) on 14/11/2002. Letter states that: "...the EPA is not the appropriate regulatory authority to address environmental or development issues relating to the Fox Studios site." Signed off by David Featherston, A/Manager Sydney Local Government, EPA. Letter also notes that planning issues should be raised with Planning NSW, asbestos removal and disposal by WorkCover and environmental (including dust) by South Sydney City Council. See the letter >>

	20th November 2002	JWE writes to Robert Black of Planning NSW regarding the absence of reply to request for information about the chemicals used on site. See the letter >> JWE talks to Robert Black, by phone, asking whether he knew about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity(MCS) and the dangers to the local community from the Fox Studios site. He stated that he was not a qualified Medical expert and could not comment.

	29th November 2002	JWE faxes letter to Sue Holliday, Director General of Planning NSW, See the letter>>

	2nd December 2002	Sue Holliday, Director General of Planning NSW, responds to JWE regarding her faxed letter. See the letter>>

	3rd December 2002	JWE received fax from Richard Jones (Independent member of NSW Upper House) Office regarding an ORDER FOR PAPERS relating to the Development Application and subsequent activities at the Paddington Pavilion (now known as Building 36). All papers were to be tabled prior to 11th December 2002 the Christmas Break. See the order for papers >>

	9th December 2002	JWE contacted Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance in person to ask for a copy of their Draft Safety and Risk Management document. See the July 2002 version of this document >>TBF

	11th December 2002	JWE contacts Sutherland Shire Council by phone and spoke to the council's planning department regarding the proposed development of “Serenity Cove Film Studios” in Kurnell.

	16th December 2002	JWE contacted Tanya Plibersek, Federal Labor Member by phone for help. Reception staff said they had other things to do that were “more pressing”.

	24th December 2002	8 pm: (Christmas Eve) ‘Michael Harvey, CEO of FSA calls JWE, and refers to a conversation that JWE had with News Limited two days earlier. Mr Harvey said “any complaints would be dealt by him and him alone”.

	20th December 2002	JWE applies to South Sydney City Council, under Section 12 of Local Government Act, 1993 for any documents relating to the Agreement between DUAP and South Sydney City Council in term of Covenants between Fox Studios Australia and South Sydney City Council. NOTE: An internal email between SSCC staff in June of 2003 indicates that there are a number of missing files. See the email >>

	16 January 2003	Mike Sharpin, ( EPA Assistant Manager - Sydney Local Government) writes to Alix Hussey (Environment Planner - Planning NSW) regarding a“third party peer review ” of....?. See the letter >>

	Mid January 2003	Papers from Richard Jones' Order for Papers are accessed and photocopied JWE in NSW Parliament. The list of those represented in the papers supplied (includes email and letters): Hassall Pty Ltd; Godden Mackay Logan Heritage Consultants; Masson Wilson & Twiney Traffic and Transport Consultants; Hyder Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd; Trevor R Howse & Associates Pty Ltd; Norman Disney & Young; Fox Studios Australia; **Energy Australia; ICAC; RTA; Centennial and Moore Park Trust ; Heritage Council;** Sydney Water;Environmental Protection Authority; South Sydney City Council; WorkCover; *Holmes Air Sciences* WorkCover Inspectors issue St. Hilliers with “improvement notices” (with fines in accordance with workcover legislation) for unsafe construction work. See the documents >>

	20th January 2003	Clover Moore writes to Andrew Refshauge in response to complaints from JWE. See the letter >>

	3rd February 2003	JWE contacts the Environmental Defenders Office for help – JWE personally handed over number of documents relating to Building 36 and documents from the South Sydney City Council. After investigation EDO state that they are unable to help due to the lack of an EPA Licence and the fact that SEPP 47 prevails over all other statutes and legislation indicating that there may be no means for legal application. EDO also makes note of the fact that BBC Planning have stated, that there will be no adverse effects on the surrounding community from operations of each of the Developments, ie., factories. However, as pointed out by EDO, they do not present any documented evidence in support of this claim. (Clearly by doing this they are not undertaking a Corporate Duty of Care, as they had to be in receipt of a list of chemicals/materials to be used in the manufacture and construction of ‘film sets’ in order to make such a bold statement).

	5th February 2003	Chemical and pyrotechnic explosion at Movie World on the Gold Coast injures three. See the press coverage of the incident >>

	6th February 2003	JWE door knocks local residents and child care centres to alert them to factory operations .

	7th February 2003	JWE faxed reply to Clover Moore’s questions to Refshauge (see 20th Jan 2003). See the reply >> Peter Harris (resident of 2/17 Poate Road) phones Planning NSW and is informed by Robert Black of Planning NSW(PNSW) that PNSW are the Appropriate Regulatory Authority (ARA) for all operations at FSA and that all complaints of site activities should be made to PNSW during working hours.

	11th February2003	JWE contacts Ed Overg of National Occupational Health & Safety in Canberra re: concern being that Fox Studios Australia is operating the site without an Occupational Health & Safety Officer. See the fax >>

	15th February 2003	Sydney Morning Herald – FOX STUDIOS’ SAFETY must be improved, CORONER RULES. FSA told by Jacqueline Milledge, at Glebe Coroner’s Court at the inquest into the death of nine year old David Selinger to improve their public safety and appoint a “person to oversee safety issues”. See the press reportage >> JMWE makes contact with FSA regarding the ruling and the required to provide an OH&s officer. James Bramley states he is that officer, JWE asks what qualifications he has. He replies that he can ‘read English’, and that is all that is required.

	21st February 2003	Stormwater samples taken by Sydney City Council were conducting annual clearing of ‘storm water’ infrastructure. JWE attests that this took two full days. JWE is assisted by council workers to retrieve samples at Poate Road, adjacent to Fox Studios Australia. See the report >>

	3rd March 2003	JWE makes contact, by phone, with New South Wales Fire Brigades Risk Management Directorate to report her concern about the risk to the local community from Factory operations, especially explosions, chemical spills or fires.

	6th March 2003	Letter from New South Wales Fire Brigades Risk Management Directorate – signed by Peter Nugent; states that a file containing a ‘Ministerial Directive’ from the Minister of Planning (Craig Knowles), at the onset of negotiations between FSA and Government : “That the NSW Fire Brigade Risk Management Directorate would be restricted in their comments, to whether a new building had been built within safety guidelines, and nothing else”… See the letter >>

	15th March 2003	JWE makes first contact with Nick Olle of Wentworth Courier.

	17th March 2003	Letter from Clover Moore re Building 36 attaching correspondence from Andrew Refshauge. See the letter from Clover >> See the letter from Andrew Refshauge >>

	25th March 2003	Jenny and Paul White (residents of 5a Poate Road) attend a meeting with Robert Black and Gareth Prattley in relation to complaints about absestos contaminated dust escaping into resident’s homes.

	24th April 2003	JWE contacted Keiran Pehm, Deputy Commissioner of ICAC. JWE informed her that the Minister for Planning was ignoring operations that were a constant source of health impact 24 hours a day. Keiran Pehm stated, that: "...the Minister had the right to make any decision that he wished to do”. JMWE said, “At the detriment to the health and safety of a community”? She said “That it was his prerogative."

	29th April 2003	Notice regarding papers tabled in 2002

	22nd May 2003	JWE and Ian Hoskison meet with Peta Seaton at NSW Parliament.

	23rd May 2003	JWE contacted Dan Keary of PNSW, by phone, regarding hazardous and toxic emissions. Dan Keary agreed there was a problem but did not know whether FSA had complied with the provisions of Consent.

	26th May 2003	JWE contacted the office of Sylvia Hale (NSW Greens), by phone, and spoke with Seb Crawford asking for help.

	2nd June 2003	Robert Black of PNSW sends correspondence to Michael Harvey CEO of FSA – "PlanningNSW has recently received several complaints from residents of Poate Road regarding odour impacts associated with the development. In response to these complaints, on 21 May 2003 an officer of PlanningNSW walked along Poate Road and detected an odour in the vicinity of the development…" See the letter >> #From call for papers by ACE July 2003

	25th June 2003	Internal email from Nick Agapides (NSWEPA) to Daniel Keary of PlanningNSW: "Holmes Air Sciences propose to undertake stack monitoring in accordance with NSW EPA Approved Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants… Refers to fibreglass mould preparation and polyurethane coating operations…" See the email >> Note that the document referred to in Daniel Keary's reply has not been provided as part of the call for papers. #From call for papers by ACE July 2003

	3rd July 2003	Email from the late Sharon Maher, Jason Gubbay and Josephine Wadlow-Evans to the Mayor of South Sydney City Council, relating to toxic emissions from FSA. See the email >> Mayor Pooley indicates to JWE that he will request that PNSW to keep JWE in the ‘loop’. See the letter >>

	12th July 2003	Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans MLC (Democrats) puts in request for “FSA papers” under Standing Orders 18.

	15th July 2003	JWE contact Hoyts Head Office by phone, in response to media comment on suit against FSA regarding loss of revenue.

	20th July 2003	Letter to Robert Black PNSW refers to phone conversation held on 20th July 2003 where JMWE requests a list of ‘chemicals/materials and their MSDS” to be forwarded to the community. Robert Black stated that our request has to be in writing. JWE points out that this request was made in writing for the purpose of an Environmental Impact Study ( See previous Letter from 21st July 2002) See the letter >>

	26th July 2003	JWE forwards information relating to ‘toxic operations at FSA” to Peter Garrett by email.

	27th July 2003	JWE emails Clover Moore regarding dust and chemicals use at FSA. See the email >>


	9th August 2003	JWE contacts Margaret Bates of CAZNAZ by phone in relation to FSA. Ms. Bates states that as FSA is covered by a SEPP there is very little CAZNAZ can do or even recommend.

	September 2003	PNSW faxes list of chemicals to JWE via fax number owned by Ian Hoskinson. Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans Democrats angered by the fact that PNSW have not forwarded the ‘list of chemicals’ in the correct format.

	5th September 2003	JWE emails Daniel Keary of PNSW relating to the demolition of film sets and the dusts See the email >>

	9th September 2003	JWE emails Robert Black regarding the probity of allowing the company which undertook air emissions testing to conduct an 'independent' review of this testing. See the email >>

	12th September 2003	Nick Olle visits FSA Site then contacts Professor Chris Winder by phone, for his views, in relation to whether ‘fume exhaust fans’ adequate. See the emails >>

	14 September 2003	JWE emails the Executive Directors of CAZNAZ regarding FSA. See the email >>

	22nd September 2003	Nick Olle forwards emails JWE regarding Robert Black of PNSW refusal to allow him access to the the second air emissions review conducted by Holmes Air Sciences citing that it is incomplete. See the emails >>

	26th September 2003	JWE receives email response from Robert Black of PNSW relating to independence of Holmes Air Sciences second air emission review. See the email >>

	13th October 2003	Nick Olle forwards JWE copy of Holmes Air Science’s review of their original review. See the review >>

	14th October 2003	Arthur Chesterfield-Evans gives adjournment speech in the Upper House of NSW Parliament. See the hansard transcript of this speech >>

	19th October 2003	JWE contacts Aussie Home Loans, as they were sponsors at the Sydney Football Stadium. Spoke to Adam Williams and forwarded documents to Locked Bag 19 Royal Exchange 1225.

	31st October 2003	JWE's car broken into. Nothing taken but reported to Maroubra Police.

	16th November 2003	JWE forwards EPA ‘odourpol’ MSDS to Robert Black for his information.

	18th November 2003	Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans makes speech about chemical use at fox studios. See the speech >> Treasurer Michael Egan makes statement in NSW Parliament regarding FSA and the fact that it is: "...not only a set of film studios; it is the film industry from A to Z..." See the full text >>

	20th November 2003	Email from Peta Seaton Liberal opposition for Planning re: Questions in Parliament Relevant Hansard docs

	2nd December 2003	Contact Narelle Curtis of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. See the emails >>

	2004
	5th January 2004	JWE phones EPA pollutionline (report 70267) to register a complaint regarding noise from plant room in 36.

	8th January 2004	JWE emails info@epa.nsw.gov.au to register a complaint regarding noise from plant room in 36.

	9th January 2004	JWE contacted by Phil Doyle of Unionsafe by phone regarding asbestos and chemicals. Giselle Howard, Manager Sydney Local Government EPA emails JWE regarding report 70267. Note that this was sent from Linda Roy (EPA) email account. See the email >>

	20th January 2004	JWE receives email from Ministerial office of Bob Debus in relation to FSA application to EPA for a Waste Licence. See the email >> See the licence >>

	22nd January 2004	Craig Knowles, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning writes letter to Clover Moore. See the letter >>

	26th January 2004	JWE writes to Ray Elliott of SSCC, by email, regarding Noise and Acrid Fumes at FSA. See the email >>

	30 January 2004	JWE emails Bob Debus, Minister for Enviroment, regarding noxious fumes and noise. See the email >>

	31st January 2004	JWE sends email to Ms Pattison of Bob Debus’s office relating to the FSA waste licence. See the email >>

	3rd February 2004	Email to Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans re Hansard Article LA 27.04.93 and “emission testing’ Hansard article in relation to Holmes Air Testing at FSA

	4th February 2004	JWE recieves email from Joy Haylen of Bob Debus' office acknowledging JWE email of 30 January 2004. See the email >> Clover Moore's office requests an independent review of documentation and report regarding Fox Studios craft shop air quality considerations. See introduction to the report >>

	6th February 2004	Email from Bob Carr’s office –Nini Vascotto - regarding metallic fumes from FSA. See the email >>

	10th February 2004	"Fox pleads foul over rent deal" - Sydney Morning Herald article See the article >> See the judgement (released 26th March 2004)>>


	12th February 2004	JMWE sends letter to Minister Bob Debus citing that there are many other hazardous and toxic materials that warrant control not just a Paint Waste Licence. See the letter >> JWE sends email to Bob Carr with attachment refers to Kim William statement in 1994/95, that the Studios would be ‘environmentally friendly’. See the email >>

	14th February 2004	JWE raises the issue, by email, with his Holiness the Dalai Llama in India. See the email >>

	24th February 2004	JWE contacts EPA pollution hotline about paint fumes from Building 36 FSA – emails include reply by Linda Roy from EPA – it includes FSA reply

	27th February 2004	Email to Nick Olle ref article in Wentworth Courier about Unions interviewed Andrew Ferguson Email to Nick Olle from JWE

	18th March 2004	JWE leaflets Centennial Park residents advising of picnic in park. See the leaflets >> Michael Harvey contacts Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Barry Robson, Marlene Krasovitsky, Centennial Park, Evelyn Hendich, DUAP, and Lesley Corkhill and Ian Hoskinson to ask why they were speaking at the meeting. See email from Ian Hoskinson >> Note: Ian Hoskinson withdrew from speaking to residents

	19th March 2004	Email from JWE to Michael Harvey inviting him to the meeting suggesting that he might like to inform the residents of exactly what does happen in those workshops/factories. See the email >>

	21st March 2004	JWE attends picnic in Centennial park with other interested residents - Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Barry Robson spoke.

	23rd March 2004	Ray Elliot emails JWE regarding Noise and Acrid Fumes at FSA. See the email >>

	25th March 2004	JWE writes to Ray Elliott of SSCC, by email, regarding Noise and Acrid Fumes at FSA. See the email >> Ray Elliot emails JWE regarding Noise and Acrid Fumes at FSA. See the email >>

	26th January 2004	JWE writes to Ray Elliott of SSCC, by email, regarding Noise and Acrid Fumes at FSA. See the email >>

	26th March 2004	Judgement of J. Barrett (Supreme Court) on the claim for changes to rent arrangements. See the judgement >>

	2nd April 2004	Peta Seaton forwards JWE the reply from Government to her question (19/02/04). See the email >>

	5th April 2004	Ray Elliot emails JWE regarding Noise and Acrid Fumes at FSA. See the email >>

	6th April 2004	JWE sends email to Bob Carr regarding fumes AA04/06055

	7th April 2004	Jane Smith, Chief Executive, NSW Film and Television emails JWE in regards to email on the ‘dirty side of the film industry’. See the email >>

	May 2004	Noel Childs of Child & Associates produces a report an independent review of documentation and report regarding Fox Studios craft shop air quality considerations for Clover Moore.

	15th June 2004	Letter to Clover Moore written by Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans See the letter >>

	24th June 2004	Letter from Peter Harding of the City of Sydney who states that the Council is not the Appropriate Regulatory Agency for the Industrial activities at FSA, only the Bent Street Shopping Centre. See the letter >>

	25th June 2004	JWE responds to Peter Harding of City of Sydney letter See the x >>

	28th June 2004	Email to Clover Moore as the new Lord Mayor, City of Sydney Council. See the x >>

	29th June 2004	Print Media article in relation to Paris Hilton’s House of Wax exploding on the Gold Coast. See the article >>

	21st July 2004	Clover Moore sends a letter with reference to an attached document - Child & Associate review of Fox Studios craft shop air quality documentation and considerations- to Bob Debus.

	19th August 2004	JWE notes fumes and particulates from diesel trucks on the site.

	27th August 2004	Clover Moore sends letter to Minister for Environment, Bob Debus, and a copy of the letter to JWE.

	29th September 2004	JWE requests a copy of Noel Child’s review air quality at FSA from Clover Moore's office. Roy Bishop of Clover Moore’s Office states the reason is that the Review was undertaken as a favour to Clover, and therefore they did not have permission from Noel Child’s to disclose it in its entirety, however it had been passed on to Bob Debus’s office.

	2nd October 2004	JWE sends letter to Chris Harris of the Greens on City of Sydney Council forwarding Clover Moore’s letter to Bob Debus with attached highlights of Noel Childs Review. See the letter >>

	4th November 2004	Letter from JMWE to Bob Debus relating to allowing toxic emissions to impact into Community 82 See the email >>

	16th November 2004	Email to Bob Debus demanding open disclosure on site operations and his responsibilities 83 See the email >>

	23rd November 2004	Anti Disability Discrimination email to Bob Debus 84 See the email >>

	24th November 2004	Email to Linda Wilhelm refers to conversation with Steve Beaman of EPA relates to a site ‘inspection’85 See the email >>

	26th November 2004	Paramedic called out to attend JWE outside 9 Poate Rd. after a reaction to ‘fumes’.

	30th November 2004	JWE receives a phone call from Dave Ingham who introduces himself as an EPA Waste Inspector and says that he is going to inspect the site. JWE receives email from Joy Haylen from office of Bob Debus See the email >>

	2nd December 2004	Inspection of FSA by Dave Ingham email sent to Quentin Dempster of Stateline, ABC. JWE has received no reply as at July 2009

	3rd December 2004	Copy of letters sent from office of Bob Debus 89 - what are these about?

	4th December 2004	JWE sends email with letters from Bob Debus and Clover Moore to Chris Harris (Greens) on the City of Sydney Council. See the email >>

	6th December 2004	Dave Ingham phones JWE to tell her that he was making a 'site inspection' but that there will be no public disclosure of what he finds. JWE contacts Lee Rhiannon’s office at NSW Parliament for help. JWE emails Hans Vanleeuwan – Lee Rhiannons office - relating to Dave Ingham’s Report on FSA 90

	7th December 2004	Lee Rhiannon makes an Adjournment speech on Asbestos at Fox Studios Australia site. See the speech >>

	January 2005	JWE phoned Surry Hills Police in relation to security at FSA Site, after a conversation Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans MLC about the possibility of an explosion during the coming cricket series. A sergeant from the Surry Hills Police Station, returned the call to JWE and stated that he had been in touch with ‘the EPA’ and ‘Planning NSW’ at the insistence of FSA prior to his inspection. He said that 'all he could see that might pose a problem were the gas-cylinders on the forklift trucks'. JWE also brought to his attention the fact that there were three Explosives/Pyrotechnic companies operating on site directly beside residents homes (What are their names?).

	20th January 2005	National Environmental Consulting Services (NECS) conducts a site inspection of the "Working Studio Precinct" at Fox Studios Australia. The report notes that: "The purpose of the Environmental Review has been to identify environmental aspects of Fox Studios Australia's operations with respect to film production activities that do or may have the potential to have and enviromental impact..." The report also notes that it the review is required by an EPA licence variation. The report also notes the following with respect to the nature of the activities being undertaken at the time of inspection: "Fox Studios Australia was represented at the site inspection by James Bramley, Rodney Brooks and Sonya Groppenbacher. At the time of the inspection, work was being undertaken in preparation of a major film and the activites being conduction were considered to be representative of those that would occur on site"(p. 3) Note the the EPA was unaware of the existence of this report when it was received by Andrew Fowler(ABC News) several months later in this year.

	26th January 2005	Email to James Bramley with reference to toxic fumes.94 See the email >>

	1st February 2005	JWE makes contact with Andrew Fowler, an investigative journalist at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

	1st February 2005	JWE contacts Dave Ingham of DEC, Waste Division in relation to “toxic emissions’ coming from FSA – is told that there was nothing on “that site that will kill you”. Fwd email to Chris Harris at City of Sydney City Council with account.95 See the email >>

	1st February 2005	Email to Hans Vanleeuwan in Lee Rhiannon Office of MLC re Dave Ingham See the email>>

	8th February 2005	Receive letter from Greg Mullins, Commissioner of New South Wales Fire Brigade. Letters states that there are no problems on the site to be addressed. See the letter >>

		Email to Alison Orme – Questions on Notice – Account of Dave Ingham and his comment that I would not ‘die’ from anything coming off the FSA Site – told him, that I had been writing his comments down, this threw him into a rage, told me I had no right to do that and that he would refer me to his superior Steve Beaman. Clearly he misunderstood Government protocol, as I told him, that all Bureaucrats are required to take all comments down in writing. I managed to ask whether I could quote him to the fact that he stated there were no chemicals on FSA that would cause harm or put people lives at risk, he said he would now refer me to his superior and no longer talk to me, one on one.97

	15th February 2005	Reply to questions to Lisa Corbyn, Director General of Department of Environment and Conservation, placed at a Standing Committee chaired by Ian Cohen of the Greens. Relates to operations in Building 36 which is a 3,500 sq metre factory complex. ‘The paint spraying booths are part of the craft shop (workshop/factories) which is a small facility where models and sets are made and painted for filmmaking. The nature of the emissions are comparable to those from a small panel beater or school workshop. These facilities are not usually required to be licensed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.’ - Simon Smith () See the proceedings in hansard >>Testimony of Lisa Corbyn

	19th February 2005	JWE emails Bob Carr to raise the issue of the ineffectual operations of the EPA with both noise and toxic health emissions. See the email >>

	24th February 2005	Janet Albrectson appointed to Board of Directors at the ABC. See the reaction >>

	25th February 2005	Email to David Skegg, National President of Safety Institute of Australia, he was prepared to undertake an investigation but JWE was unable to forward documents as money to ran out.101

	4th March 2005	JWE makes contact with Chris Harris of the Greens at the City of Sydney by phone. JWE handed him files previously given to the EDO, with their notes, to give him background to the issues involved at FSA.

	17th March 2005	Letter from Jill Pattison, Director Ministerial and Parliamentary Services, Dept of Environment and Conservation (NSW) "I can advise, however, that Fox Studios has now complied with a Pollution Reduction Program that was placed on its licence requiring it to install activated ‘carbon air filters’ in the area which fibreglassing activities are undertaken’. JWE phones Julian Thompson(EPA) and asked about the licence issued the previous year. When asked about inspections for compliance with licence conditions, Julian Thompson stated that the EPA relied on phone confirmation for compliance.

	April 2005	JWE meets Kevin Winter of Cook Road while on a walk. JWE suggested that he might be interested in knowing what was happening the other side of the perimeter wall. He was keen as he said that he had experienced intermittent ‘health problems’ since he moved into Cook Rd in 1995. JWE provided Kevin Winter with some of the documents, including correspondence.

	3rd May 2005	JWE receives email from Stephen Dziedzic (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) who is working with Andrew Fowler. Stephen indicates that he has interviewed ‘Staff’ from SCG/Aussie Stadium, who recounted the high levels of 'wood dust’ coming from FSA factories.

	6th May 2005	Jason Gubbay of 9 Poate Road receives letter addressed to the house owner - a notice of an impending Development Proposal – (DA- 40-3-2005) See the notice >> Jason Gubbay of 9 Poate Road passes the information on to JWE.

	9th May 2005	Andrew Fowler (ABC) forwards copy of EPA Licence issued to Fox Studios Australia on x date , to Professor Chris Winder for comment.

	19th May 2005	All emails from JWE's inbox and sent box have disappeared – some ten months of emails from 19th May 2005 to July 2004. Kevin Winter begins to print out hard copies of all the material gathered to date. JWE receives email from Andrew Fowler states he is receiving more information from Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans office See the email>>105 JWE has phone conversation with Andrew Fowler in which he indicates that he has ‘persuaded’ Clover Moore’s office to disclose the full review undertaken by Noel Child’s of Noel Child’s and Associates in relation to Emission testing by Holmes Air Sciences.

	20th May 2005	JWE goes to City of Sydney one stop shop in x to view Development Application for the proposed new Workshop. The proposal was accompanied by an assessment of the site which indicated there has been an asbestos dump on site for the past two and half years. See the Douglas Partners report >> JWE phones Andrew Fowler(ABC) to inform him about the dump, and he asked JWE to make copies of these documents and drop them into the ABC. JWE phones Chris Harris (Greens Councillor at City of Sydney) to ask if they can photocopy all documents relating to Development Application.

		Andrew Fowler accesses Noel Child’s review and interviews Jason Gubbay of 9 Poate Road, Josephine Wadlow-Evans 9/17 Poate Road, Kevin Winter of 97 Cook Road and Peter Mallaby of the SCG. Mr. Fowler says the ABC is running with the fact that Fox Studios Australia had not had an ‘Independent’ review undertaken in relation to ‘air emissions’. Mr. Fowler makes contact with us citing the fact that Fox Studios Australia have handed over and ‘Independent’ review which they had had authorised in January 2005. JWE receives phone call from Andrew Fowler in which he indicates that neither the EPA nor Planning NSW appeared to be aware of the NECS review commissioned by Fox Studio Australia. This qualified as an independent review for the purposes of the story and he indicated that he would not be pursuing it. See the NECS Report >>

	1st August 2005	Consent Authority for development under $5 million dollars is transferred to City of Sydney Council.

	24th August 2005	Department of Environment and Conservation(DEC) received a "Cumulative Air Quality Impact Assessment" for the FSA 'Craft workshops' from James Bramley (FSA).

	20th September 2005	JWE brings documents (which ones?) to Administration Office at Sydney Cricket Ground.

	27th September 2005	Report on documents, provided by JWE, submitted to Michael Bangel by admin staff member.

	20th October 2005	Site inspection of FSA by EPA undertaken, and meeting between FSA and representatives of Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

	3rd March 2006	JWE's computer crashes again – lose all emails from that date through to 19 July 2006 – IT specialist states that he has not come across this before, that something/someone has put a ‘password’ onto the hard drive effectively not allowing access to that particular block of emails (move this to above August 2006)

	5th March 2006	Advice given to JWE reference ‘water dyes’ documents show that the dyes contain Phosgene gas also known as ‘carbonyle chloride’ a colourless chemically reactive highly toxic gas…116 All dyes put to sewer – permit issued by Sydney Water for ‘untreated dyes to be put to sewers’ See Letter to James Bramley of FSA 31 January, 2006 from Steve Beaman Manager Sydney Waste, EPA. Refers to Attachment “B” notice of variation of Licence (Notice No. 1055704) restricts usage of Dyes >> Refer to NECS Review February 2005 – Pg 10 2,2,4 Building 37 – William Hamilton Building "Dyeroom – The dyeroom contains a series of chemicals to dye and colour fabrics for use as costumes or props. These include polyester dyes, water soluble screen-printing dyes, leather dyes and colour stripper. Ventilation issues were evident (and continue to be so 2007) in this room and discussed during the site inspection. There is little ventilation in this building and no ‘emission controls’. All solid wastes were disposed of in skip bins while ‘liquid wastes, including dye-containing rinse water were disposed of to sewer.Correspondence from Sydney Water has advised that no pre-treatment of the tradewaste generated from the process of dyeing of garments etc., is required." "3.2 Wastewater Management Dyes used in the dyeroom are discarded to sewers. Correspondence from Sydney Water confirms no requirement for pretreatment of trade wastewater generated from the dyeing process." See Attachment A’ of letter to James Bramley 31 January 2006 from Steve Beaman EPA cites restricted usage of ‘dyes’ >>

	6th March 2006	JWE receives letter from the Clover Moore in her capacity as Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, relating to health and safety concerns. Refers to investigations by the following agencies: WorkCover Environmental Protection Agency City of Sydney NSW Fire Brigade (relating to cover up with Asbestos contamination). The Mayor alludes to Noel Child’s Review of 2004/05: "The independent assessment about impacts of the craft shop (workshop/factory) that I arranged has identified that the nature of the activities and lack of treatment might result in air quality concerns, but it also concluded that there was no ‘evidence of toxic emissions’." JWE is concerned due to her understanding that Noel Childs states the following in his review: "In my view, this situation leads to two possible possible positions. The first is the assumption that the impacets of operations at the site on local air quality are of no consequence, and that no further action is warranted. Theis is essentially the current position. The second position is that the assumption that activities at the site are having no deleterious impact on local air quality is unreasonable, in the absence of more complete information than is currently available." p 5 May 2004

	9th April 2006	JWE emails Barry Underwood of the Auditor Generals Office, asking for help. (Advised by Tony Harris former Auditor General in telephone call to make contact and make an appointment with Stephen Horne of Auditor General’s office. JWE forwarded email to (who?) requesting an appointment but to this day JWE has not received any response)

	6th June 2006	Kevin Winter writes to Clover Moore in reply to correspondence he received from her including an attachment from Michael Harvey(then CEO of Fox Studios Australia). He thanks her for Michael Harvey’s letter and accompanying documents. See the letter >>

	Need Date 2006	JMWE forwarded documents by hand to reception at SCG (copies of Professor Chris Winders and Doctor Mark Donohoe’s review as delivered at the Public Meeting at the Paddington Town Hall on 17th August, 2006)

	17th August 2006	Public Meeting organised by Chris Harris (Greens Councillor) held at the Paddington Town Hall, Paddington. Speakers included Professor Chris Winder of UNSW, Dr.Mark Donohoe.

	6th October 2006	Prof. Chris Winder receives a response to his letter regarding Planning Ministers role in planning consent for FSA, from Jason Perica (Executive Director of Strategic Sites and Urban Renewal, NSW Department of Planning). "As you may be aware, since the introduction of part 3a of the Environment Planning and Assessement Act 1979 (the Act) on 1 August 2005, the Minister's consent role for Moore Park Showground was ammended and now only applies when development is over $5m in value under State Environment Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005. For City of Sydney Council is now the consent authority for development under $5m in value."

	22nd August 2007	Sydney Morning Herald highlights Bernie Banton’s fight with mesothelioma. See the coverage >>

	21st September 2007	JWE sends email to Phil Koperberg, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, at his office in the Blue Mountains. Email draws his attention to the dangers that this site poses to the general public and local community. See the email >>

	23rd September 2007	JWE sends email Clover Moore questions the claim that the Child & Associates Review states that there would be ‘no deleterious impacts escaping from the site into the local community’. See the email >>

	25th September 2007	JWE emails Malcolm Turnbull in relation to the FSA site operations. He replied personally and suggested that I again make contact with his electoral office in Bondi Junction, NSW.

	26th September 2007	JWE visits Malcolm Turnbull’s Electoral Office in Bondi Junction as discussed.

	26th September 2007	JWE emails the Australian Law Foundation with reference to the NSW Government's Duty of Care and how it might relate to FSA Site.

	17th October 2007	JWE emails Trevor Martin, Workplace Inspector with (ASCC), highlighting the concerns that responsibility for Fox Studios Australia site safety had allegedly been given to onsite Security officers supplied by Australian Concert & Entertainment Security(ACES). JWE emails General Security Australia Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd (GSA) with whom Australian Concert & Entertainment Security is allegedly insured, highlighting concerns about the liability of ACES Security Guards managing site safety at Fox Studios Australia.

	7th May 2008	Central Sydney Newspaper prints "Toxic Trouble" article by Robert Bradley Burton. See the article >>

	28th October 2008	JWE sends email to Peter Harding (City of Sydney Council) regarding a article in Central Sydney News (May 2008), which indicated that the NSW Department of Climate Change was not undertaking monitoring of the FSA site. The article quotes "a spokesperson for the DECC" who stated that: "...the department only monitored two hazardous items used on the site, styrene-based resin and a certain clothes dye, under Fox Studios' Environmental Protection Licence, and that it was only tesing for odours." See the email >>

	29th October 2008	Reverend the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes MLC asked John Hatzistergos, representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce, a question without notice concerning Fox Studios hazardous chemicals use. Answer received on x and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. x. Answer to Question without Notice regarding Chemicals at FSA

	30th October 2008	JWE receives email from Peter Harding (City of Sydney Council) regarding complaints about emissions from FSA.

	2nd April 2009	Ian Cohen MLC asked x, representing the x, a question without notice concerning spray painting activities at Fox Studios Australia. Answer received on 7 May 2009 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 98. Answer to Question without Notice regarding Spray Painting

	7th May 2009	Question without Notice regarding spray painting Question asked on 2 April 2009 (session 54-1) and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 95. Answer received on 7 May 2009 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 98.

		Question Without Notice regarding air quality monitoring - 3144 Ian Cohen MLC asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 101. Answer received on 18 June 2009 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 107.