Antinuclear

Australian govt avoiding opposition from Aboriginals, as it selects nuclear waste dump sites

Is the Australian government in  a hurry to reassure Sydney residents about the nuclear waste dump, and also scared of the potential powerful opposition by Aboriginal people?  Australia is contractually bound to take back these wastes from France.

Native titles extinguished Significantly, native title has been extinguished on all the shortlisted sites.

Six areas make shortlist for nuclear waste storage, AFR, by Laura Tingle, 13 Nov 15, South Australia appears to be the most likely home for nuclear waste storage after the Turnbull government shortlisted six sites for a facility to store low-level radioactive waste.

Resources Minister Josh Frydenberg unveiled the list of six sites arising from a process in which landowners voluntarily nominated their land. A final decision is expected by the end of next year after long community consultations.

The six shortlisted sites are at locations near Sally’s Flat in NSW; Hale in the Northern Territory; Cortlinye, Pinkawillinie and Barndioota in South Australia; and Oman Ama in Queensland….

The federal low-level waste storage proposal is separate from the [South Australia Nuclear Fuel Chain Royal Commission] scheme originally raised by a nuclear energy inquiry commissioned by the Howard government – and recently canvassed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull – that would see Australian uranium exported and ultimately brought back as high-level waste……..

The government received 28 nominations from landholders across Australia.

The nominated sites were assessed against a weighted list of technical, economic, social and environment factors by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, with the assistance of an independent advisory panel and Geoscience Australia. Suitable sites needed to satisfy objectives involving community well-being,  equity, stable environment, environmental protection, health, safety and security and economic viability………

Native titles extinguished Significantly, native title has been extinguished on all the shortlisted sites. An earlier attempt to establish a waste dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory was abandoned  in 2014 after several years of negotiations following a legal challenge by traditional owners….

[Frydenberg] “The government wants to ensure that the community in and around these properties is informed and engaged in this important project. As part of this commitment, the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science will now engage in extensive consultation over the next 120 days with local stakeholders with an interest in the sites.”  http://www.afr.com/business/energy/nuclear-energy/six-areas-make-shortlist-for-nuclear-waste-storage-20151112-gkxhgb

November 13, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | aboriginal issues, AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, wastes