Thursday, 27 September, 2007

by Natalie Wasley
Arid Lands Environment Centre

The Arid Lands Environment Centre-Beyond Nuclear Initiative (ALEC-BNI) condemns Science Minister Julie Bishop’s decision to accept a nomination of Muckaty, 120km north of Tennant Creek, as an additional site to be considered for the federal radioactive waste dump.

Natalie Wasley, BNI campaigner based in Alice Springs, says the government has either been misled or is being disingenuous about the consultation and consent behind the Muckaty nomination.

“Earlier this week in Tennant Creek, I spoke with a number of Traditional Owners from Muckaty Land Trust about the dump nomination and they were all strongly opposed. Northern Land Council nominated the site on behalf of the Muckaty Traditional Owners, but there is definitely not agreement from the entire Muckaty mob”, said Ms Wasley.

“Since Muckaty was proposed last April, Traditional Owners from all of the family groups have written numerous times to Julie Bishop and the Northern Land Council registering opposition to hosting radioactive waste. When the Minister now says all affected Aboriginal people have had the chance to express opposition, she is essentially saying their concerns have been disregarded”.

“Julie Bishop has not responded to invitations to come to the Northern Territory and meet the targeted communities and other affected people. This is an issue of extreme national importance and the Minister should hear directly from the Traditional Owners and nearby communities”.

“There is a continued commitment from people across the Territory to all work together to stop the plan for a federal dump. People around the country do not support the plan to dump radioactive waste out of sight and out of mind and this will be influencing how people vote at the federal election”, concluded Ms Wasley