Antinuclear

South Australian Premier Mike Rann having a bet each way on his uranium “legacy”

Two faced Premier Mike Rann, previously elected as S.A. Labor Party’s spokesman AGAINST uranium mining, went on to be a fervent servant of BHP Billiton. Now he wants to have his “legacy” as having approved. the monster Olympic Dam open cut uranium mine.

BUT – that mightn’t work out.  Olympic Damn has a good chance of becoming an environmental and economic nightmare for South Australia.   So, just in case, Mr Rann is now piously giving himself the credit for saving Arkaroola Wildreness from uranium mining.  (Bad luck, Marathon Resources,  your Premier dumped you for BHP.) – Christina Macpherson

Arkaroola protection bill going to SA Parliament ABC News, October 17, 2011  Premier Mike Rann has visited Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary to promote this week’s introduction of legislation to permanently protect the area from mining.

The South Australian Premier sees Arkaroola’s protection as some of his last business before he steps out of the limelight…

His Government signed the Olympic Dam indenture with BHP Billiton last week, another key project Mr Rann leaves as his legacy….. New laws will ban all types of mining at Arkaroola and come four years after exploration waste was dumped at Mount Gee in the area by explorer Marathon Resources. Arkaroola also has been provisionally listed on the state heritage register and will be nominated for national and world heritage listing…

Marathon Resources had spent millions of dollars exploring at Arkaroola and its share price has fallen since the mining ban was flagged.It is negotiating with the SA Government for compensation.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-17/arkaroola-wilderness-legislation-mining-ban/3574300

October 18, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, South Australia, uranium | South Australia