Friday, 25 May, 2007

Arid Lands Environment Centre

The Arid Lands Environment Centre Beyond-Nuclear Initiative (ALEC-BNI) has expressed deep concern over the Northern Land Council nomination of Muckaty for the Federal radioactive waste dump, but says there is a long way to go before the deal is wrapped up.

"Direct communication with Traditional Owners following the NLC nomination has confirmed deep concern, division and strong opposition to this nomination. Muckaty traditional owner Bindi Martin said to me this morning that he does not agree to the dump proposal and I believe this is a view held by other Ngapa Elders as well. This proposal can not be touted as widely accepted within the Muckaty group or the wider community," stated Natalie Wasley, Beyond Nuclear Initaitive campaigner.

Ms Wasley added; "All affected people and groups must be consulted and consent to this proposal. Muckaty people with cultural connections to sites along the mining access road have stated they oppose the dump. Their perspective must also be considered if long lived radioactive waste is to be transported through their country for the next few hundred years."

"Muckaty Traditional Owners representing all of the recognised family groups wrote to the NLC Full Council and Minister Julie Bishop earlier this year expressing opposition to a dump on their land. The letter asked for negotiations regarding the dump to cease, not be formalised."

"The Federal Government is attempting to buy its way out of the too hard basket. Instead of adopting a scientifically driven, prudent and credible approach to radioactive waste management, they are offering a radioactive waste dump as a solution to financial disadvantage in remote areas."

"The whole dump fiasco is clearly a means to get long lived waste produced at Lucas Heights out of sight and out of mind in an election year. Political considerations to move the waste to areas with less voters is obviously being given a higher priority than scientific, public health or environmental concerns."

"The nomination of Muckaty is not the end of this story. Minister Julie Bishop has assured the Australian public she would require clear indication of widespread consent before accepting a nomination, and this is currently lacking. The Minister must hold true to her word that she will only accept a nomination if full consultation and consent of all affected people has been demonstrated."

"There continues to be clear division and difference of opinion and it is inappropriate and improper for a minister to accept and progress the nomination at this time. The Arid Lands Environment Centre calls on Julie Bishop not to accept the NLC nomination of Muckaty unless it can be demonstrated that all Traditional Owners accept this decision," Ms Wasley concluded.