Tuesday, 6 March, 2007

by Nat Wasley
Arid Lands Environment Centre

Environmentalists have joined Aboriginal Traditional Owners to urge the Northern Land Council to improve its consultation processes over a controversial federal government plan to dump radioactive waste at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek.

An NLC convened meeting being held this week (March 7/8th) to consider the dump plan has not been adequately publicised or supported and there are concerns that many Aboriginal people might not be aware of or be able to attend this important forum.

Environmentalists are supporting calls from concerned locals to the NLC that all affected Aboriginal people be included in any talks.

"There is clear and demonstrated community concern over both the dump plan and the dump process among many Traditional Owners," said Natalie Wasley.

"The current process has been secretive, rushed and deeply flawed. Every voice must be heard at this key time, on this very important decision".

The call follows a series of letters sent recently by Traditional Owner’s to the NLC and federal Science Minister Julie Bishop detailing deep concerns and objections to the dump plan and wider siting process.

Some Muckaty TO's sent a letter two weeks ago to the Science Minister saying that they do not want negotiations for the dump to continue, and asking her to recognise that any nomination of Muckaty would be without their consent.

Following a community meeting in Tennant Creek last week another group of TO’s wrote to the NLC asking them to halt negotiations with the Government until a meeting with all affected TO’s was facilitated.

"Radioactive waste effectively lasts forever so it is important to take the time to get things right," said Natalie Wasley. "Cutting corners with contamination is just not on."