Antinuclear

South Australia’s Legislative Council votes to protect Arkaroola from uranium mining

SA Upper House votes for permanent Arkaroola protection, Australian Conservation Foundation, 9 June 11, The SA Upper House has tonight passed a Greens motion calling on the SA Government to permanently protect the mountains of Arkaroola from mining.
This is the first time, after three previous attempts, that either chamber of the SA Parliament has voted in favour of protecting the iconic Arkaroola Wilderness sanctuary in the Northern Flinders Ranges.

Greens Parliamentary leader Mark Parnell, who moved the motion, said he was delighted it had passed.

“It’s clear that the Rann Government must now act to permanently protect this iconic part of South Australia.

“No longer can they ignore the overwhelming support in the South Australian community.  I strongly urge them to get on with the task,” he said.

The motion read that this Council:
1.Notes that it has been almost 40 months since the initial discovery of illegal waste disposal and vandalism by Marathon Resources in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary; and
2.Calls for the state government to urgently guarantee permanent protection for the iconic and majestic mountains of Arkaroola.

The motion was passed on the voices.

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent and Independent MLC Ann Bressington joined the Greens in speaking passionately in favour of protection.  Curiously, despite the strong public utterances by Liberal leader Isobel Redmond at the end of last year in favour of protection, the Liberal party indicated that they opposed the motion.

Former Mining Minister Paul Holloway, speaking on behalf of the Government, stated that “nothing will happen to Arkaroola either now or in the future that will damage the iconic areas of that region”.

For further comment contact Mark Parnell on 0434 007 893

June 9, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, South Australia | South Australia