Antinuclear

Queensland government considering shipping uranium through Great Barrier Reef

Queensland uranium could be exported through reef, SMH,   October 31, 2012 -The Queensland government says it would consider shipping uranium through the Great Barrier Reef if a new advisory committee made the recommendation.
The comments come as the United Nation’s environmental arm considers whether to list the reef as a World Heritage site in danger. In a report earlier this year, UNESCO identified shipping as one of the most pressing threats to the reef’s future.
The Queensland government this month lifted a long-standing ban on the
mining of uranium in Queensland, despite saying before and after the
March election it had no plans to do so. Chairman of the government’s
new uranium mining implementation committee, and Central Highlands
councillor Paul Bell, revealed on Wednesday that all options are being
examined, including shipping the ore from Great Barrier Reef ports.
The committee will also look at whether uranium could be transported
on the Adelaide to Darwin rail line, for export through either of
those cities…….
Mr Hutcheon Queensland Conservation (QC) was still worried about the
potential impacts of any uranium exports through the Great Barrier
Reef.
“If a ship runs aground on the reef not only does it do damage
physically, but if it’s containing radioactive material like uranium
ore that adds massively to the threat faced by the reef,” he said.
In a June report, UNESCO was highly critical of Australia’s management
of the Great Barrier Reef.
It said coastal development, ports and shipping were among the most
pressing threats, and there was no overall plan for the future
sustainable development of the reef.
The Queensland and federal governments are currently compiling a
strategic assessment of the entire reef area in response to UNESCO’s
concerns.
The report is due to be presented to the UN body early next year.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland-uranium-could-be-exported-through-reef-20121031-28k91.html#ixzz2B07SBJ9X

November 1, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, Queensland, uranium