Sunday, 26 November, 2006

by Natalie Wasley
Arid Lands Environment Centre

Traditional owners from sites being targeted for the Commonwealth radioactive waste dump and other concerned community members have embarked on a week long road trip to Darwin to join forces in raising awareness about the anti-dump campaign.

This trip aims to galvanise support from the Territory government and the wider community to oppose the imposition of the Commonwealth radioactive facility in the NT.

"This trip is particularly timely as it will coincide with the Senate Committee inquiry into proposed amendments to the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act. The amendments propose removing any requirement for consultation, understanding and consent from traditional owners before their country can be nominated by a land council for assessment," said Natalie Wasley from the Arid Lands Environment Centre.

Ms Wasley added "it is exciting that people from each of the three proposed Defence sites and from Muckaty Station, also rumoured as a potential site, are travelling together to share campaign ideas and speak as a united voice to NTG, media and the community. There is strong opposition to the Commonwealth dump throughout the Territory and this journey will be an important milestone in the anti-dump campaign".