Wednesday, 30 August, 2006

Friends of the Earth

Communities Unite to Oppose National Nuclear Waste Dump.

People in cities across Australia will today target Parsons Brinckerhoff - the private company contracted to assess the Federal Government’s proposed sites for a Commonwealth nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory.

Actions will target Parsons Brinckerhoff offices in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Holly Creenaune, National Convenor of the Australian Student Environment Network says “Communities surrounding all of the sites being assessed in the Northern Territory – Hart’s Range, Mt Everard, and Fisher’s Ridge – are strongly opposed to hosting a nuclear waste dump for the next few thousand years.

“We don’t want radioactive waste transported through or stored in our communities. There is still no safe way to store nuclear waste. The proposed NT waste dump will be a toxic blight on Australia and a direct threat to humans and environment for thousands of years.”

Dr Jim Green, Nuclear Campaigner from Friends of the Earth says, ““Parsons Brinckerhoff is a key player in the expansion of Australia’s nuclear industry, providing consultancy to push ahead new uranium mines, nuclear reactors and waste dumps in Australia.

“New Commonwealth legislation to override existing NT law and an absence of public consultation and information raises legitimate concerns that Parsons Brinckerhoff’s site assessment will be secretive and ignore social and environmental concerns.”

In Brisbane at 10am, twenty-five people with colourful props and costumes will assess Parsons Brinckerhoff offices for suitability for storing radioactive waste. 348 Edward St, Brisbane CBD.

In Newcastle at 11am, twenty people will present Parsons Brinckerhoff with a list of demands, dressed in white radiation protection suits. 55 Bolton St Newcastle.

In Sydney at 9am, thirty people will disrupt Parsons Brinckerhoff offices and deliver demands. 680 George St Sydney.

In Melbourne at 9:30am, twenty-five people will disrupt Parsons Brinckerhoff offices. 457 St Kilda Rd Melbourne.

Actions will also take place In the Northern Territory,