Antinuclear

BHP is advised, but not COMPELLED to consult aborigines

Aboriginal ecology to be included in assessments 
Amanda O’Brien | September 24, 2009 . The Australian
ABORIGINES are claiming a landmark victory after the West Australian government told BHP Billiton to incorporate their ecological knowledge into future land clearing at its giant Yeelirrie uranium prospect.

The Ngalia people of the state’s eastern goldfields, who use the land for food gathering and tribal ceremonies, lost an appeal to stop a small 10ha site being cleared, but won government support for their knowledge to be part of any future decisions.
Ngalia spokesman Kado Muir said it was a significant step. “We see it as a victory because it establishes, for the first time that I know of, an indigenous ecological perspective in the land clearing process. To date its only ever really taken into account scientific-based flora and fauna studies,” he said.”We are concerned about the plants which would have medicinal value, food value, and also provide an ecosystem for animals that we rely on; from honey ants to fauna like kangaroos and other animals.

“BHP is in the race to create Western Australia’s first uranium mine at Yeelirrie, after the Barnett government lifted the state’s ban last year. It hopes to start construction in 2011, subject to board and government approval, with uranium production by 2014……….

While state Environment Minister Donna Faragher did not order BHP to consult the Ngalia, she made it clear they should. “It is my expectation that in progressing with further development plans for the area, BHPB will ensure it adequately consults with indigenous groups, including the Ngalia,” she said in her ruling.

“Traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous perspectives (should) be incorporated into the planning, design and monitoring activities.”

BHP yesterday appeared to accept the advice, saying a big consultation program was planned with indigenous people, including the Ngalia, on heritage and current land use……..

Aboriginal ecology to be included in assessments | The Australian

September 24, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1, aboriginal issues, uranium, Western Australia | antinuclear, Australia, nuclear, radioactive, uranium