Antinuclear

The week that was in Australian nuclear news

AUSTRALIA

While the uranium industry is stagnant, due to record low prices, the pro nuclear lobby is busy. South Australia appears to be the pro nuke hub.:

• This week we have the Property Council of S.A. pushing the plan for the full nuclear fuel cycle in South Australia, and for importing the world’s nuclear wastes to South Australia. Businessmen Nathan Paine, Chris Burns,and Theo Maras promoted the idea that South Australia should become the nuclear energy “Dubai of Asia”.  The worst part of this is that these men are pitching this as an  investment idea for “mums and dads” , as part of  a campaign “We’re for Jobs in SA” to be run by The Advertiser.
•  South Australia’s two  nuclear front group lobbies (Decarbonise S.A and Brave New Climate) are promoting  a conference  – “Nuclear Energy For Australia” (Sydney July 25-26)
•  At Flinders University, USA’s Dept of Energy funds a program aimed at showing that low dose radiation is good for health.

Renewable Energy got quite  a boost on 18th July – with two rallies in Canberra, which drew respectable gathering of 500 . Speakers included Professor Simon Chapman  and Greens leader Christine Milne.

Meanwhile the much touted anti wind farm rally was a bit of  a fizzer. It drew 100 people, who listened to radio shock jock Alan Jones, and politicians Liberal Senator Chris Back , National Senator, Ron Boswell, DLP Senator John Madigan. Senator Nick Xenophon was expected but didn’t turn up.

Climate change – more bad news, as Australia is predicted to be especially affected, and Canberra to become especially vulnerable to bushfires.   But good news – Australia’s Uniting and Catholic churches have taken renewable energy initiatives, encouraged by the Pope and other religious leaders.

Renewable  energy programs going ahead in remote locations, under the Federal Governmnent’s  Regional Australia Renewables (RAR) 60 communities are lobbying the government – Coalition for Community Energy – for funding community energy projects. Construction beginning on South Australia’s Port MacDonnell wave energy project

Australia hosted first World Indigenous Network Conference in Darwin.

June 19, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina reviews