Wednesday, 7 March, 2007

ABC

Federal Science Minister Julie Bishop says the Northern Territory Labor Government is scaremongering by saying a decision is imminent on a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory.

A small group of traditional owners from near Muckaty Station are meeting with the Northern Land Council today to discuss possible sites.

Three defence sites are officially up for nomination, but environment groups say Muckaty Station is also on the cards.

Ms Bishop says she is expecting a report on three sites by the end of this month and Muckaty is not one of them.

"If another site is nominated that will mean other studies will have to be undertaken so I would think by mid year, which is on schedule, I would be looking at nominating a site," she said.

"There are a number of steps that must be taken thereafter."