Expert ‘stands down’ from review on river

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
An expert appointed to lead a review of investigations into Anglesea River fish kills has stood down, an action group has revealed.
Environment Minister Ryan Smith announced two weeks ago that Deakin University Associate Professor John Sherwood would head the review.
Mr Smith launched the review after Anglesea residents gathered 697 signatures on a petition calling for an inquiry.
Angelsea River Support Action Group’s Gary Kerr said Prof Kerr stood down to avoid a conflict of interest over his role in the earlier investigation, which blamed natural processes for the fish kills.
Mr Kerr said Prof Sherwood requested a meeting with the action group to review its data.
“We showed him all our data. He acknowledged he had a conflict of interest and he resigned.”
Mr Kerr said State Government now had an opportunity to instigate a “proper” inquiry instead of a review.
“This whole thing is beyond a joke now. It really smells.”
A spokesperson said the Government would announce Prof Sherwood’s replacement in “coming weeks”.
The Independent was unable to contact Prof Sherwood for comment.
Mt Macedon’s Ian Horrocks said the river was still a health hazard after his grandson emerged from the water over Easter with a large, leathery welt.
The welt was on the front of the boy’s body to the waterline where he laid in the water at low tide, Mr Horrocks said.
“We had no idea of the concerns about the river. Apparently there was a sign advising no swimming but it was taken down by Surf Coast council a week earlier.”
Mr Horrocks said his grandson woke screaming in pain and hysterical, complaining the welt was burning him.
The boy had no known allergies, Mr Horrocks said.
The family had booked him in to see a dermatologist.
Another visiting parent, Sally Murchie, said her son had also emerged with “red, itchy blotches” on his lower legs after walking knee-deep in the river.
He was only allowed in the water because the warning signs had been taken down, she said.