A community Charter opposing plans for development of a uranium mining industry in NSW was launched at the meeting. The NSW Uranium Free Charter (http://nccnsw.org.au/uranium) is an initiative of environment, trade union, public health and other groups concerned about the potential human and environmental impacts of uranium exploration and mining currently being promoted by the state government.
The Charter details concerns over the impact of uranium mining and the wider nuclear industry and calls for a shared energy future that is renewable, not radioactive. The Uranium Free Charter comes as a growing number of civil society groups and community representatives are challenging the state government’s atomic ambitions.
“This is an important public meeting to expose the state government’s sneaky revocation of the 26-year ban on uranium exploration and mining in NSW. The ban has been removed without consultation with, or a mandate from the people of NSW,” said Rita Mallia.
The government’s controversial move to jettison the longstanding ban on uranium exploration narrowly passed the Parliament in March and there is growing resistance to any future legislation that would rescind the continuing ban on uranium mining. “Promoting the uranium industry in NSW now is like taking up smoking at 30,” said Anne Noonan from the Medical Association for Prevention of War. “This decision is poor policy and puts short-term vested interests ahead of any lasting community benefit. The government should not, need not and must not continue down this path.”
“The Liberal government is forcing its uranium agenda on the people of NSW with complete disregard for the industry’s devastating health, environmental and social impacts on workers and communities,” Jamie Parker said. “The NSW government overturned the 26-year moratorium on uranium mining without any public consultation. The government claims this is about exploration, not mining, however it is deceiving the NSW public if it claims it does not plan to eventually mine for uranium. Why would anyone explore for uranium without the intent to mine?”
Natalie Wasley from the Beyond Nuclear Initiative added: “It has been confirmed that uranium from Australia was present in all of the Fukushima reactors. The tragedy and toxicity continues, yet Premier O’Farrell is putting dollar signs ahead of danger signs. We cannot stop natural disasters but we can – and must – stop the threat of more nuclear accidents.”
