Danger to Townsville’s water supply, if Ben Lomond uranium mine is re-opened
Labor raises concern over north Qld uranium mine
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-06/labor-concern-over-north-qld-uranium-mine/4356092?section=business By Megan Woodward, 6 Nov 12 The Queensland Opposition has warned any resumption of uranium mining near Townsville in the state’s north risked contaminating the city’s water supply.
The State Government recently announced plans to resume uranium mining across Queensland.
The Ben Lomond uranium mine, 50 kilometres west of Townsville, closed more than 20 years ago amid serious environmental concerns. The mine is in the Thuringowa electorate of Liberal National Party (LNP) MP Sam Cox.
Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin today called on Mr Cox to become more involved in any proposals to reopen the mine. Mr Mulherin says nearby residents needed a guarantee environmental concerns do not still exist.
“The concerns related to the tail dams, cyclonic rain events and the impact the heavy metals and radioactive materials,” he said. Mr Mulherin says when the mine was closed there was concern radioactive tailings would reach the Burdekin River, which supplies water to the Townsville region.
The ABC has approached Mr Cox for comment.
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of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 
Actually the mine is in the Dalrymple electorate which is represented by ex LNP member Shane Knuth who now belongs to Katters Australia Party. Both he and Bob are against this mine, they both live in Charters Towers and drink the water from the towns weir which is located some 40 Km downstream from Keelbottom Creek which was highly polluted in 1981 and 1982 from run off from the tailings dam.
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