Alice Council probes uranium proposal
The Alice Springs Town Council has expressed concern about the possible exploration and mining of the Angela Pamela uranium site south of Alice Springs.
A fiery council meeting last night passed a recommendation to request guarantees from the Mining Minister Chris Natt.
Market stall-holders and anti-uranium protestors went to the meeting to voice their concerns about the proposal.
The council motion asks to ensure the exploration shafts and mine won't be flooded and a guarantee the air and underground water won't be contaminated.
Objections to the mine, put forward by former Alderman Jane Clark and Alderman Melanie van Haaren, also ask for a financial security bond during exploration.
Around 30 concerned marketeers filled the public gallery, questioning the Council's commitment to the popular bi-monthly market.
Former Alderman Jane Clark was among the gathering and said she was upset that stall-holders are getting parking fines - which previously were not enforced.
Councillor Samih Habib suggested Ms Clark has a conflict of interest now that she is standing for the seat of Braitling in the Territory election.
Also at the meeting, Jimmy Cocking from the Arid Lands Environment Centre asked council to vote against the uranium mining exploration licence for Cameco at the Angela Pamela site south of Alice Springs.
Mr Cocking and other representatives from the Angela Pamela Collective revealed they have requested the Central Land Council to allow them greater involvement in the consultation process between Cameco and Traditional Landowners.