Monday, 30 April, 2007

Arid Lands Environment Centre

The Arid Lands Environment Centre-Beyond Nuclear Initiative (ALEC-BNI) welcomes the motion passed at the ALP National Conference that would commit a Federal Labor government to repeal Commonwealth legislation forcing a radioactive dump on the Territory.

The ALP motion, ironically passed the same day the 'no new uranium mines' policy was overturned by a narrow margin, states that a Federal Labor government would:

* Not proceed with the development of any of the current sites identified by the Howard Government in the Northern Territory, if no contracts have been entered into for those sites.

* Repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005.

* Establish a process for identifying suitable sites that is scientific, transparent, accountable, fair and allows access to appeal mechanisms.

* Identify a suitable site for a radioactive waste dump in accordance with the new process.

* Ensure full community consultation in radioactive waste decision-making processes.

* Commit to international best practice scientific processes to underpin Australia's radioactive waste management, including transportation and storage.

Natalie Wasley, Beyond Nuclear Initiative campaigner states "This policy is welcomed by ALEC- BNI and the communities being targeted for the Federal waste dump, as it acknowledges the lack of community consultation and ad hoc process being used by the Federal Government to fast track the NT dump plan."

"It is essential that any Federal Government commits to international best practice of radioactive materials, which involves thorough community consultation and acceptance of dump siting and minimal transport of materials. Obviously the current Federal plan is deficient in all of these areas."

Ms Wasley also points out that responsible waste management planning must also include the waste produced from mining-especially if this is to expand in the coming decades.

"Uranium mines produce vast quantities of long lived radioactive material, and a large proportion of this remains on site as tailings. Any industry expansion would need a comprehensive plan to manage increased volumes of waste, so it is hoped that the ALP commitments in regard to the proposed Federal waste dump would carry over to considerations of mine waste management"