Monday 24th October 2016 Organisations representing hundreds of thousands of Australians have joined the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons in a call for the Australian Government to support a growing global push to prohibit and eliminate nuclear weapons.
In an open letter to foreign minister Julie Bishop ahead of a vote expected in the UN this week the fifty groups have urged Australia to ‘grasp this historic opportunity to outlaw nuclear weapons’ and to support increasing momentum for a UN conference in 2017 to ‘negotiate a legally-binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons’.
The Australian Government’s opposition to a ban on nuclear weapons is increasingly at odds with the majority of nations, including in our region where ASEAN nations and Pacific Island states have joined New Zealand in strongly supporting moves for a ban.
“We’ve waited a long time for the Nuclear Weapons States to fulfil their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and they have failed,” said former independent Senator for nuclear disarmament Jo Vallentine. “It is time for Australia to do an about-turn and get on to the right side of this historic decision”. Ms Vallentine will take part in a delegation delivering the letter to the Foreign Minister’s Perth office on United Nations day, Monday 24th October, before heading to the UN in New York for the historic vote.
“A 2014 Neilsen poll showed over eighty percent of Australians support a treaty banning nuclear weapons and it is time for the Australian position on this existential issue to move from No to Now”, said ICAN Australia’s Gem Romuld.
Signatories to the open letter comprise union, faith, women’s, public health, environment and international development organisations including the Australian Medical Association, Oxfam Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation, Uniting Justice and the Union of Australian Women, among many others.
October 24, 2016
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South Australians will rally outside Parliament House tomorrow to demonstrate concern over two separate proposals for nuclear waste dumps in the state.
- The federal government has a proposal to establish a national nuclear waste dump at Wallerberdina in the Flinders Ranges on a deeply inappropriate site that has incredible cultural and heritage value to the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners.
- The Weatherill government’s proposal is to import one third of all the high-level nuclear waste on the planet – 138 000 tonnes – and manage it for 100,000 years, raising major concerns on safety risks, community consent and economic viability.
Both proposals have met with strong opposition from Traditional Owners and wider communities.
The rally, to run on the steps of State Parliament from 11am this Saturday 15 October 15, is part of a National Day of Action against the proposed nuclear waste dump. Details at dontdumponsaoct15.org
As well as generating significant community concern, the proposed nuclear waste dumps have raised again the issues of the series of secret British nuclear test explosions which contaminated areas of far west SA during the 1950s. This Saturday’s rally commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the first British nuclear explosion at Emu Field on October 15, 1953.
Karina Lester, event MC and No Dump Alliance founder said, “As Traditional Owners within this state we need to stand strong together and send a very strong message from ALL South Australians that we are not interested in becoming the nuclear waste dump of the world.
“All Traditional Owner groups need to unite and fight this as we all know the international waste storage facility is not going to be in Norwood or Unley – it will be in the far north of the state,” said Ms Lester.
Jamie Newlyn, Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia (SA Branch) said, “This project has flawed economic assumptions which pose a serious risk to the South Australian state budget, and offers no employment opportunities for at least 15 years. The needs of workers in SA are far more urgent.
“Maritime workers are potentially exposed to this waste, which is 100,000 times more radioactive than the uranium exported from the State. And the realities of human error and natural disasters mean these risks are just far too great to take.”
Alliance member and Chairperson of Aboriginal Congress SA Tauto Sansbury said, “People need think about what this means for their future, their children and future generations. We are talking about the importance of country and the preservation of culture and safety of our Peoples whereas the government seems more interested in economic development.”
Conservation SA Chief Executive and Alliance member Craig Wilkins urges South Australians to attend the rally on Saturday to express their concern.
“The only opportunity to stop this risk-laden proposal is community opposition,” said Mr Wilkins.
“So if you can’t attend the rally, please ask questions, visit www.nodumpalliance.org.au and write letters to your MP so our representatives are in no doubt that we do not want a high-level nuclear waste dump in South Australia.”
The South Australian government says it will indicate by the end of this year whether it plans to proceed with the dump.
The No Dump Alliance is made up of a wide range of groups including unions, heath, faith and environment groups, and Traditional Owner representatives. The Alliance Ambassador is Yami Lester, atomic bomb test survivor and nuclear-free advocate.
To arrange media comment, contact Cat Beaton: 0434 257 359
www.nodumpalliance.org.au – info@nodumpalliance.org
October 13, 2016
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WHAT: Highly visual public rally against nuclear waste dumps
WHEN: This Saturday, October 15 – marking 63 years since the first Australian atomic explosion at Emu Field in South Australia. *
TIME: 11am – 12.30pm
South Australians will converge on State Parliament this Saturday, October 15, at 11am, to make a stand against two nuclear waste dump proposals for SA.
- The Federal Government’s proposal to establish a national waste dump at Wallerberdina in the Flinders Ranges which is highly contested by the Adnyamathnha Traditional Owners and wider community.
- The Weatherill Government’s proposal to import high-level nuclear waste from other countries.
Event program includes:
- MCs: Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara Native Title Aboriginal Corporation and Craig Wilkins, Chief Executive Conservation SA.
- Professor Barbara Pocock, Mothers for a Sustainable South Australia (MOSSA)
- Vivianne and Regina McKenzie, Yappala Station, Flinders Ranges
- Joe Szakacs, Secretary, Unions SA
- Mima Smart, Yalata Community, Far West Coast SA, and
- Live performance of the Maralinga song by Johnny Lovett and Yalata band.
* Please note, this Saturday, October 15, marks the 63rd anniversary of the first atomic test explosion in at Emu Field in far west SA, which started a decade of secret British nuclear tests, including a series of explosions at Maralinga, that contaminated areas of the State and exposed South Australians to radiation.
More information: http://www.nodumpalliance.org.au/
Media enquiries: Call Cat Beaton on 0434 257 359
October 13, 2016
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Right now Australia is at the UN taking part in the annual UN General Assembly talks, including in the disarmament committee, the First Committee. In about two weeks there is expected to be a monumental vote where the world’s governments can vote yes to beginning a negotiation for a ban on nuclear weapons.
For us plutonium headcases these are exciting days. A ban has been at the core of the work of ICAN for the last decade and the global movement on this has been growing beautifully.
However, not surprisingly to any of you, Australia has been blocking progress actively at every turn over the last two conservative govts. While we expect that they will drag their feet along with the nuclear weapon states, we feel it’s vital that our govt get a sense of the expectation from our community and citizens here that a ban on nuclear weapons is wanted. I could go on about the reasons but you all know these – that’s why you do the work.
If any of you are on social media, would you please consider retweeting or posting messages like the one linked below in the next day or two?
https://twitter.com/dimityhawkins/status/786252671372046336
The handle used on all our social media platforms (twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc) is #goodbyenukes.
Anything you can do to push this in the next week or so would be appreciated.
October 13, 2016
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SOUTH AUSTRALIA NUCLEAR WASTE DUMPs NOT WORTH THE RISK! STAND UP FOR SA
11AM, OCT 15, 2016 PARLIAMENT HOUSE STEPS NORTH TCE ADELAIDE KAURNA LAND
Lets come together to show our support for a nuclear free future!
We encourage all creativity so bring your banners, signs and costumes. Lets make it a great day.
Saturday October 15, 2016 marks 63 years since the first atomic bomb test at Emu Junction in South Australia.
The Federal Government is pursuing plans to build a national waste dump in the Flinders Ranges while a proposal for South Australia to take the worlds international high level nuclear waste continues to be progressed by the SA state government.
Communities across the state are saying ‘no way’.
We can do better than to take the worlds worst waste’.
NEW SOUTH WALES National Day of Action October 15* http://dontdumponsaoct15.org/
12pm Pitt Street Mall near King Street (Sydney CBD).
Gathering on Gadigal Land.
Speakers include Adnyamathanha Traditional Owner Juanella McKenzie.
Click here to view the Sydney Facebook event. Join Uranium Free NSW on October 15 to say ‘Don’t nuclear waste Australia’.
VICTORIA This Saturday in Melbourne Peaceful solidarity action. Saturday October 15, 11am‒1pmOutside Flinders St Train Station, cnr. Flinders & Swanston Sts. www.facebook.com/events/1670387339944939/ South Australian Aboriginal First Nations face severe threats of nuclear waste dumps and need your support! The federal government is trying to impose a national nuclear waste dump in the Flinders Ranges despite the unanimous opposition of Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners. And the SA state government is promoting a plan to import 138,000 tonnes of high-level nuclear waste from around the world despite overwhelming opposition from First Nations.
Please join us on Saturday October 15, 11am‒1pm, outside Flinders St Train Station, for a peaceful, fun solidarity action to support South Australian First Nations in their struggle for country and culture.
Saturday October 15 also marks the 63rd anniversary of the first of the British atomic bomb tests in SA.
More information on the National Day of Action: www.dontdumponsaoct15.org/proposed-sites
www.facebook.com/NationalDayofActionAgainstNuclearWasteDumps/
National Day of Action: No Nuclear Waste Dumps on Aboriginal Land!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA. NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON NUCLEAR WASTE – Friday 14th OCTOBER
City West Lotteries House (2 Delhi St West Perth) – 10.30am
Right now South Australia is we’re facing two nuclear waste dumps; a national dump in the beautiful Flinders Ranges and an international dump to take the world’s nuclear waste. The decision to import high level nuclear waste is a forever decision. Once we make it, there’s no going back. This is a decision that we cannot make for thousands of generations of future South Australians. On the 15th October, on the 63rd anniversary of the Emu Field atomic bomb tests, stand up for SA and join the National Day of action to say no to nuclear waste dumps in SA. Event Details *please share on facebook and social media
October 12, 2016
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This is not just a South Australian issue – no matter how much the Weatherill govetnment, F3ederal government, and spineless mass media pretend that it is.
People who care will be demonstrating in other States, too, against making Australia the world’s nuclear toilet.
Mark Parnell, 10 October 16 With the South Australian State Labor Government pushing on with its plans to make our state the world’s dumping ground for nuclear waste, there are just a few short weeks left for you to have your say.
The Government is set to make a decision whether or not to proceed with planning for the dump before the end of the year. They want feedback before November, so the next few weeks will be vital. Please send a message to the State Government if you don’t want SA to become a nuclear waste dumping ground.
You can use the Government’s on-line survey, email info@nuclear.sa.gov.au or ring 1800 842 563 to have your say in person.
Also, this weekend I hope you can join me at Adelaide’s rally for the National Day of Action Against Nuclear Waste Dumps in SA:
11am, Saturday 15 October 2016
Parliament House steps, North Terrace, Adelaide
I’ll be speaking, and standing alongside fellow concerned South Australians who know that nuclear waste is the wrong way for SA. You can click ‘Attending’ on the Facebook event page to show your support and let others know it’s happening this Saturday.
Please invite your friends and family to make sure we leave the Government in no doubt about how many South Australians share our vision of a nuclear-free future for SA.
October 10, 2016
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Wednesday 12 October, Constitution Room, Parliament House Members of the public wishing to attend should report to reception in Centre Hall of Parliament House and they will be escorted to the meeting room.
9am – 10am
Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
10am-11am
Kerry Colbong – Chief Executive, Aboriginal Lands Trust
TERMS OF REFERENCE
A Joint Committee of the South Australian Parliament has been established to consider the findings of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, focusing on the issues associated with the establishment of a nuclear waste storage facility, and to provide advice, and report on, any South Australian Government legislative, regulatory or institutional arrangements, and any other matter that the Committee sees fit. Submissions and expressions of interest to give oral evidence were invited before 1 July 2016.
October 10, 2016
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Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners of the area slated for a national nuclear waste dump in South Australia, will host 50 people on country for “Yanakanai Ngarpala Yarta – Come Here to Our Country”, a 2-day camp.
The camp will conclude with Hawker’s first protest march against the proposed nuclear dump since the nearby property at Wallerberdina / Barndioota was shortlisted almost one year ago in November 2015.
“We want to keep the precious Flinders Ranges nuclear free. While opposition to the nuclear dump is not unanimous in Hawker, it is very strong… we will be gathering next Sunday to make that sentiment loud and clear,” said Hawker local Robert Webb.
The Yanakanai Ngarpala Yarta camp will host locals interested to learn more about the area’s cultural heritage as well as people from the United States, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Adnyamathanha woman Regina McKenzie said “I want everyone to come and meet the ancient land, to experience our living Adnyamathanha culture and understand why our homelands must not be desecrated by nuclear waste”.
The weekend of activities will include a visit to the sacred Hookina Spring, exploring the site near the proposed dump area where flooding destroyed a railway bridge and sunrise at the artefact-rich sand hills near Cotabena.
Sunday’s rally will hear from Adnyamathanha people, local members of the Flinders Local Action Group and the Conservation Council of SA.
“How can our women still sing our songs to our children when we have poison on our land? We don’t want that waste dump coming to our land,” concluded Regina McKenzie.
October 5, 2016
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The Music to Stop Nuclear Waste music festival will be held at the Published Arthouse, 11 Cannon Street, from 5.30pm on October 7. More details here.
Musicians unite to fight nuclear waste dump, Amber Settre http://indaily.com.au/arts-and-culture/music/2016/09/30/musicians-unite-to-fight-nuclear-waste-dump/
Eight Adelaide bands will take to the stage next week at a pop-up music event supporting the campaign against a proposed high-level nuclear waste dump in South Australia. The Music to Stop Nuclear Waste benefit will take place at the Published Arthouse on October 7, with a mixture of acoustic and electric acts including reggae-roots group Local Revolution, Cal Williams Jr, Ben Searcy Trio, Chica Chica Electrica, One-Way Ticket and Mobius X.
Event organiser and musician Charles Maddison says all funds raised will be donated to the Conservation Council SA’s fight against a proposed nuclear waste dump. Continue reading →
October 1, 2016
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nuclear? unclear http://www.adelaide.foe.org.au/nuclear-unclear_video/ roman August 14, 2016
We weren’t surprised at the recommendations of the SA Nuclear Royal Commission, but were disappointed at the poor quality of the report. The government has embarked on a propaganda campaign to manufacture consent for this gigantic waste dump.
As part of our campaign against this dump, various people have pointed out flaws in the report, problems with the economic modelling, and absurd assumptions made by the modelling.
We will shortly be presenting a brief slideshow (around twelve minutes) to people who need more information to decide on the issue. You can access a near-final version of the slideshow at the link below. If you want to help us spread the word, send us an email and we’ll try and organise a few sessions in your neighbourhood.
Paul Waldon I wish that someone would put this to air. About 15 students attended Clare’s engagement program for Know Nuclear as a class but none of the facts on this recording were mentioned. https://www.facebook.com/groups/941313402573199/
September 19, 2016
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Moves to dump national and international radioactive waste in South Australia will come under the spotlight when the Exposure 2016 community expo kicks off this weekend in Port Augusta. Exposure 2016 will explore the two nuclear waste dump threats currently facing South Australia. In April the federal government selected Wallerberdina near Hawker in the Flinders Ranges as a possible site for a national low and intermediate level radioactive waste dump. In May the SA nuclear Royal Commission recommended that developing a high level international waste dump be “pursued as soon as possible”. The SA government is consulting with communities and will make a formal response before the end of the year.
The event will open on Friday night with the ‘Talking Straight Out Exhibition’ where senior desert women contested a nuclear waste dump proposal that was scrapped in 2004. Mrs Emily Austin, one of the few remaining women involved will be atExposure 2016 “We stopped it before – the Kungka Tjutas – and now they are going to start it again. They don’t listen – it’s not for playing around with. Some people say it’s not poison, but we know it is.”
Exposure 2016 will also feature a range of experts traveling from around Australia to share views and information. Dr Margaret Beavis from the Medical Association for the Prevention of War is keen to talk with the community about the proposed national waste dump at Wallerberdina. “At the Flinders Ranges site a false link with nuclear medicine has been used to put pressure on communities and much of the information has been incorrect or incomplete. Genuine community consultation and consent demands that you have to provide accurate information.”
Other keynote speakers include Mark Ogge, Principal Adviser at the Australia Institute, authors of the recent ‘Digging for Answers’ report. This report was a scathing critical analysis of the economics of the Royal Commission’s plan to import high level nuclear waste. “The plan for a nuclear waste dump in South Australia is designed to help the global nuclear industry secure lower cost finance but it is of no benefit to South Australia. It would unreasonably require SA to take on a huge risk and liability”.
There is growing concern about a range of negative environmental, cultural and economic impacts linked to radioactive waste dumping plans.
“Governments cannot guarantee regional South Australians that nuclear waste can be stored safely without catastrophic implications to our ancient underground aquifers,” said Flinders Run winemaker Emanuel Skorpos. “These aquifers stretch from the far west to the far east of northern SA. Pastoralists and horticulturalists rely on these aquifers for stock water and irrigation to run their businesses. There is too much at risk and the risks outweigh any speculative financial gain a nuclear waste import industry may bring. Regional farming families are increasingly saying No to a nuclear waste industry in South Australia!”
The weekend will include speakers, workshops, stalls, displays, art and media installations. Exposure 2016 is a free event. A full program is available here.
August 31, 2016
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Sat 13/8: Marion S.C. 9am – 5pm
Tues. 16/8: Kimba Institute, High Street, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Marree Town Hall, Railway terrace 11:00am – 7:00pm
Wed. 17/8: Cummins Town Hall, Railway Terrace, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Oodnadatta Community Hall, Ikartuka terrace, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Port Pirie Global Maintenance Upper Spencer Gulf Trade Expo, Northern Festival Centre, 9:00am –5:00pm
Thurs. 18/8: Port Pirie Global Maintenance Upper Spencer Gulf Trade Expo, Northern Festival Centre, 8:30am – 3:45pm
Cowell Supper Room at Institute, 6 Main Street, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Ummona Aboriginal Community, Umoona Road, Coober Pedy, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Mon. 22/8: State Library of SA , North Terrace, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Tues. 23/8: Gawler Sport and Community Centre, Nixon Tce, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Yalata Aboriginal Community 11:00am – 5:00pm
Wed. 24/8: West Lakes Shopping Centre 9-5
Oak Valley Aboriginal Community, Lake Dey-Dey Rd, Oak Valley, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Willunga Hub Community Room, 1 St Peters Tce, 11:00am – 6:30pm
Thurs. 25/8: Victor Harbor Yacht Club, 22 Bridge Terrace, 11:00am – 7:00pm
West Lakes Shopping Centre 11-7
Fri. 26/8: West Lakes Shopping Centre 9-5
Mt Barker Town hall: Stephen St, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sat. 27/8: West Lakes Shopping Centre 9-5
Mon. 29/8: Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community, Ravendale Rd, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Tanunda CWA Hall, 70 Murray Street, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Tues. 30/8: Koonibba Aboriginal Community, Foggos Road, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Kapunda Soldiers Memorial Hall, Hill Street, 11:00am – 7:00pm
August 12, 2016
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In 1972 the world banned biological weapons.
In 1993 we banned chemical weapons.
In 1997 we banned land mines.
In 2008 we banned cluster munitions.
2016 should be the year we ban nuclear weapons.
There are currently 15,000 nuclear weapons between nine countries. The risks are real and the consequences are catastrophic.
We have a choice to join with 127 countries and progress the important work of banning nuclear weapons. Or Australia can continue to stand in the shadows of nuclear armed states and the threat of nuclear war and mutual destruction.
Add your name to the call on Julie Bishop to support the resolution for a global treaty banning nuclear weapons at this years UN Working Group for Nuclear Disarmament meetings……..http://campaigns.greens.org.au/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1792&ea.campaign.id=49716&ea.tracking.id=fb
August 5, 2016
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The Government’s nuclear waste dump “community consultation” roadshow begins this Friday in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall. Over the next three months they plan to visit 100 sites across 60 towns to explain the Royal Commission’s report and gather feedback.
Make your voice heard
This is the opportunity to make sure your views are heard by the State Government before Premier Jay Weatherill makes a decision later this year on whether to go ahead and make South Australia the world’s nuclear waste dumping ground.
If you think South Australia deserves better, then make sure you have your say.
The sessions are informal, so drop in at any time to register your opposition to SA becoming a dumping ground for international high level nuclear waste.
Where and when
Find out when the roadshow will be near you (click here), and mark it in your diary so you don’t miss out.
Tell Jay, a nuclear waste dump is the wrong way for SA.
July 27, 2016
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You can submit a question/ upload a video question via: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/ask-question.htm
This is a good opportunity to put issues around the SA Royal Commission, WA uranium mining and other nuclear issues on the Minister’s radar early on in his tenure.
July 27, 2016
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Antinuclear 