Wednesday, 6 June, 2007

by Elliot McAdam
ALP

The Member for Barkly Elliot McAdam said he’ll continue to lobby against a radioactive waste facility at Muckaty Station.

Mr McAdam said he is very disappointed with the decision of the Northern Land Council and some traditional owners to nominate the site.

"The Barkly has been duped by the Commonwealth Government," said Mr McAdam.

"So far the Commonwealth Government has said this facility will host low-level waste, but I am very concerned that Muckaty could very easily become a high level radioactive waste dump.

"There are no protections in place to stop this becoming a high-level waste facility and this would cause devastating outcomes in the Barkly for hundreds of years to come.

"The level of consultation to site a dump at Muckaty Station did not appear to be adequate or inclusive of all people this decision would affect.

"Aside from the environmental damage this will cause, there has been little debate on the impact this will have on the world class reputation of the Barkly pastoral industry.

"This is also a set-back for the rights of Indigenous people - their land has been stripped away from their control by a few people.

"Establishing radioactive waste facility at Muckaty Station needs to be based on science and not convenience.

"I will continue to work to stop a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty," said Mr McAdam.