Saturday, 26 May, 2007

Australian Student Environment Network

Students are angered by dishonest and divisive negotiations to secure the nomination of Muckaty Station, near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, as a potential site for a radioactive waste dump.

Australian Student Environment Network (ASEN) Nuclear-free Campaign spokesperson Holly Creenaune says, "Students across Australia oppose plans to impose a radioactive waste dump upon Northern Territorians. As young people, we will inherit the consequences of dishonest dealings by the Howard Government - the legacy of radioactive waste which remains toxic and deadly for hundreds of thousands of years.

"Young people in the Northern Territory and across Australia know the nuclear industry is not part of a sustainable future for Australia. Federal Science and Education Minister Julie Bishop should not accept the nomination."

Nicky Ison, National Convenor of the Australian Student Environment Network says "After 50 years in the nuclear industry, there is still no safe way to safe way to store radioactive waste. In securing the nomination of Muckaty Station to possibly host the dump, radioactive waste could be transported all the way from Lucas Heights exposing communities along the transport route to risk of spill and contamination."

"Students will continue to campaign alongside Traditional Owners to stop plans for a nuclear waste dump in the NT and for a nuclear-free future.

"The proposed nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory represents John Howard's vision for the future – imposed, secretive, unwanted and unnecessary – a future that young people reject."