Poor outlook for Queensland uranium mining, but “Yellowcake Newman” presses on
The Australian Conservation Foundation’s Dave Sweeney called on Mr Newman to back up his claim that uranium exports will earn Queensland tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades, providing
thousands of jobs.
“Development plans have been shelved at Yeelirrie and Kintyre, the two largest deposits in Western Australia.
“Kakadu uranium miner Energy Resources of Australia has lost more than $180 million and BHP Billiton has walked away from its long-held plan for a massive expansion of the Olympic Dam mine in South Australia.”
Activists slam ‘Yellowcake’ Newman http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/newman-names-qld-uranium-committee/story-e6frf7kf-1226506654419 AAP October 30, 2012 QUEENSLAND activists say Premier “Yellowcake” Campbell Newman’s new uranium committee is a stunt to fast-track mining of the “toxic” substance.
Mr Newman on Tuesday named members of the committee, which will establish a framework for the resumption of uranium mining in the state. It will be chaired by Central Highlands councillor Paul Bell, who has just retired as the president of the Local Government Association of Queensland, the government’s chief scientist Geoff Garrett and industry representatives.
Mr Newman said former ALP national president and indigenous leader Warren Mundine had been invited to serve on the committee and he hoped he would agree. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Queensland uranium would have to go to ports in Darwin or Adelaide
Queensland ports unready for uranium, Brisbane Times, November 1, 2012 – Tony Moore Queensland’s burgeoning uranium industry would bring no immediate benefit to the state’s port cities, the Australian Uranium Association has predicted.
Rather, AUA spokesman Simon Clarke said uranium would be exported via ports in Darwin and Adelaide.
That would mirror the situation in Western Australia, where uranium export is banned from local ports. Uranium from WA is instead shipped through Darwin and Adelaide.
“As matters stand now, it would seem most likely that any uranium mined in Queensland would be transported by road and rail to either Adelaide or Darwin for shipment out of Australia,” Mr Clarke said. Any port exporting radioactive uranium must be capable of carrying class seven hazardous wastes and storing waste in secure premises while waiting for commercial shipping. Continue reading
Free energy fuel: South Australia’s wind power is making fossil fuel power too costly
How wind is changing the energy game in South Australia REneweconomy, By Giles Parkinson on 31 October 2012 Nowhere in Australia has wind energy had as much of an impact on the existing electricity infrastructure as in South Australia. According to the latest figures from the Australian Energy Market Operator, wind energy accounted for more than 22 per cent of capacity and 20 per cent of supply over the past year – although it has been higher over
shorter periods – and at times supplied more than 80 per cent of the state’s energy needs.
The fact that wind energy, once built, supplies energy at near zero marginal cost and lowers the wholesale price of electricity has helped push more expensive fossil fuel generation out of the system, which is why fossil fuel generators are keen to reduce the extent of the renewable energy target. In South Australia, it has forced the closure in winter of the two local coal-fired generators that once supplied nearly one-third of the state’s needs. Continue reading
Australia’s Asian neighbours not capable of managing nuclear safety
Asia’s Nuclear Feeding Frenzy Global Mail By Clare Blumer October 30, 2012
How safe is the Pacific rim, where 100 reactors in 10 years are planned, some in earthquake-prone, developing nations?
…….. the use of nuclear energy by developing countries in the Asia Pacific region — some of which are prone to earthquakes — worries Karamoskos, who also represents the public-health interests on Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority committees.
“The problem with nuclear power is it has the potential, when it goes bad, to go bad on a grand scale, as we’ve seen with Fukushima and Chernobyl,” he says. “It’s not good enough to build a nuclear reactor and then have a nuclear regulator that is inexperienced, or compromised, or lacks independence.”
Karamoskos points to an international transparency-and-corruption scale compiled by Transparency International (partially supported by AusAID) as a reasonable indicator of whether countries can take on the complex safety responsibilities of nuclear power. Indonesia doesn’t rate highly on this scale, coming in at 100 of 183 countries on the Corruption Perception Index; Vietnam and Bangladesh are worse, at 112 and 120 respectively. India ranks 95th.
“That’s my first and foremost concern — do these countries have the underlying principles … to foster a robust safety culture?” he asks Continue reading
Australian Labor govt wishy washy on renewable energy
Mr Fitzgibbon back-pedalled on Wednesday from his claim that he was “tempted to say we should not have a renewable energy target at all” given Labor had put a price on carbon
Labor muddled on renewable energy: Greens THE AUSTRALIAN, JULIAN DRAPE AAP October 31, 2012 THE Australian Greens have attacked Labor for sending mixed messages about the renewable energy target (RET) after chief whip Joel Fitzgibbon suggested it should be reduced.
Greens leader Christine Milne dubbed the whip “Coal Fitzgibbon” on Wednesday arguing he and the ALP right were “out on a limb” trying to undermine the RET. “What this shows is you simply can’t trust the Labor party to run a consistent line when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Senator Milne told reporters in Canberra.
“The Climate Change Authority has come out having reviewed the RET and said it’s a really good policy.” The target is meant to ensure 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.
But softer demand and the popularity of rooftop solar panels mean the fixed 45,000 gigawatt-hour target may be exceeded….. the Greens want the RET extended to ensure 50 per cent of Australia’s electricity
comes from renewable sources by 2030. Continue reading
Australian uranium to India, a mirage more than a reality
the glacial pace of nuclear power plant construction and activation in India in the face of anti-nuclear campaigns;
Indian uranium deals a long way off GEOFF HISCOCK The Australian October 29, 2012 AUSTRALIA’S new willingness to sell uranium to India is more about snuggling up to Asia’s third largest economy than any actual nuclear
commerce. It is highly unlikely that Australian uranium will be powering Indian nuclear reactors in this decade. Continue reading
Rockhampton mayor rejects Liberal Party push for nuclear power
Rockhampton mayor says nuclear “over my dead body” The Bulletin Christine Mckee 29th Oct 2012 “Over my dead body”. These are the words of Rockhampton Regional Council mayor Margaret Strelow in response to the possibility of building a nuclear plant in the region.
Media reports on the weekend revealed secret plans from the Bjelke-Petersen era to construct a nuclear enrichment plant in the Rockhampton region are being revisited by the Federal Opposition.
“It’s not even a discussion I want to have,” Cr Strelow says. “I’m a Mum and a grandma.”
Broadmount, 30 kms south-east of Rockhampton, and Boolburra, 95km west of Rockhampton, were among three preferred options put forward 40 years ago for a $1 billion uranium enrichment plant. North Queensland MP Warren Entsch says it makes sense to reconsider the plan, and Senator Barnaby Joyce is also showing his support…..http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/strelow-rejects-plan-for-uranium-plant/1600099/
Abbot Point recommended for World Heritage, not for uranium exports
Uranium export claims rejected by environmentalist Daily Mercury Dominic Geiger 29th Oct 2012 A BOWEN-BASED environmentalist has hit back at Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen’s claims the town would support uranium being exported from Abbot Point.
Mr Christensen made the claims following State Premier Campbell Newman’s recent decision to lift the ban on uranium mining in Queensland. “Abbot Point (is) an established resource port that (is) far removed from an urban area and the Bowen locals would love the potential work and opportunity,” he said.
But Bowen resident Ian Lee said the town had a history of opposing uranium mining and nuclear power. “Before the amalgamations, Bowen Shire Council voted to become a uranium-free and a nuclear-free shire,” Mr Lee said. “They’re all now jumping on the bandwagon and wanting to make Abbot Point a massive port.
“The World Heritage Committee has recommended there be no major developments outside the long established major ports. Abbot Point is classified as a minor port.”
Mr Christensen isn’t the first Federal Member for Dawson to come under criticism for a pro-nuclear stance. Former member De-Anne Kelly was deposed in 2007 after supporting a short-lived push to have a nuclear
power plant established in the Mackay region…..
http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/uranium-export-claims-rejected/1599798/
Wind power for Tasmania, and for export to Pacific islands
Island communities targeted for wind plant BY:MATTHEW DENHOLM :The Australian October 29, 2012 AUSTRALIA is seeking to export an off-grid power plant – capable of providing 100 per cent renewable energy – to remote and island communities currently reliant on diesel throughout the Asia-Pacific.
A prototype of the plant has been developed by Hydro Tasmania on King Island and by the end of next year will be providing 65 per cent of the Bass Strait island’s energy needs from renewable sources, or 100 per cent on windy days.
By reducing reliance on diesel generators – previously the source of 100 per cent of the island’s power – the wind and solar plant will save $4.5m a year….. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/island-communities-targeted-for-wind-plant/story-e6frg8y6-1226504898547
Senator Larissa Waters debunks Queensland’s uninformed fervour for uranium minng
Senator Barnaby Joyce says nuclear power in Australia is next step after Queensland decision to resume uranium mining Robyn Ironside, John McCarthy The Courier-Mail October 24, 2012 “….Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters said those supporting uranium mining in Queensland had not worked out safe means of
transporting and exporting uranium.
Guidelines have only recently been adopted in WA and that state will not allow uranium oxide to be transported to, or shipped from, its ports until 2014.
“It is too dangerous, it is too risky, it is dirty and we have clean safe renewable alternatives that won’t end up making the world’s conflicts even worse,” Senator Waters said.
She said she doubted uranium would be an “economic saviour” for Queensland because the price of uranium was very low, now about $43 per pound.
The Queensland government is expecting total royalties of around $900 million if the total resource ($18 billion on current prices) was mined.
“The price for uranium has tanked in the last few years – all the more because of the Fukushima disaster – and we have just seen Olympic Dam in South Australia, the biggest uranium mine in Australia – well we’ve just seen plans for that to expand, shelved,” Senator Waters said.
Senator Waters said transportation of uranium remained a major problem. “There is no safe way to dig up uranium, or transport it to port, or export it, and have it used safely,” she said. “We simply don’t have the guarantees that we need that this stuff can be managed.” “It is radioactive, it is toxic.”….. : http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/uranium-cheapest-alternative-fuel-20121023-2838o.html#ixzz2AWgmmDmv
Caloundra’s solar energy array now in operation
SPS Energy Installs 80 kW Solar Array for Caloundra-Based STC AZO CleanTech October 26, 2012 Today marks a new milestone for Australia’s private businesses seeking heightened energy efficiency: the unveiling of what’s believed to be one of the largest privately funded solar installations in the nation , installed by SPS Energy and now operational in Caloundra, Queensland. The Honourable Mark McArdle, Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Water Supply, officiated at the commissioning celebration.
SPS Energy, based in Eumundi, is a preeminent supplier of energy management and renewable energy solutions across Australia.
The 80kWatt solar array is located on the rooftop of the Caloundra-based Saddlery Trading Company (www.saddlerytrading.com ), and powers 75kWatts of inverter capacity. ….
“The installation has already delivered benefits for our business: an energy consumption decline of over 60% in the first billing period after commissioning, followed by further reductions in subsequent periods,” Mr Grant said.
“As a family-owned business, it’s critical for us to keep an eye on the bottom line, while integrating environmentally conscious practices.
“Our family business is proof that solar power can deliver savings, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The solar array provides STC with certainty of power costs into the future and provision for even greater energy autonomy, if needed. …. http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=17503
Pakistan says of Australian uranium – “Me Too!”
Pakistan says it should be allowed to buy Australian uranium November 17, 2011 BUSINESS RECORDER Pakistan says if Australia sells uranium to India, it too should be eligible for exports of the product. India’s arch rival is also a nuclear power and, like India, a non-signatory of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Pakistan says it could use Australian
uranium to boost its civilian nuclear power programme.
And its High Commissioner to Australia Abdul Malik Abdullah told ABC Radio correspondent Michael Edwards in an interview that it would be discrimination to sell to India and not to Pakistan.
“We are not against uranium sales to India but that if they do go ahead they should also be available to Pakistan,” Abdullah was quoted as saying by ABC Radio on Tuesday. “In the past when United States, India nuclear deal had taken place, we feel that Pakistan was discriminated against. And we hope that this time, given our very strong and cordial relationship with Australia, Pakistan would not be discriminated against.”
Pakistan’s atomic programme began in earnest after India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. It tested its first bomb in 1998. It’s also expanding its civilian nuclear power programme. ….. http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1251905/
No environmental safeguards for Queensland uranium mining, (Barnaby Joyce doesn’t care)
Senator Barnaby Joyce says nuclear power in Australia is next step after Queensland decision to resume uranium mining Robyn Ironside, John McCarthy The Courier-Mail October 24, 2012 OUTSPOKEN Senator Barnaby Joyce has put nuclear power on the LNP’s agenda in the lead-up to the next federal election following Queensland’s decision to resume uranium mining…..
The comments came as federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said yesterday nuclear power was not part of Australia’s future…
.. The State Government’s rush to announce its uranium backflip has left Queensland without any policy on environmental and health safeguards. Premier Campbell Newman offered a guarantee the environment and public
health would not be adversely affected by uranium mining.
The powerful left-wing union, the Electrical Trades Union, has said it will ban members from working in any uranium mine in Queensland because of the risk to the workers’ health and to Australia’s environment….
Don Argus, like Martin Ferguson, adds more lies about nuclear energy
Uranium ‘cheapest’ alternative fuel October 23, 2012 Tony 
Moore brisbanetimes.com.au senior reporter Uranium remained the cheapest of the alternative fuels, one of Australia’s leading business figures, Don Argus, said today.
However restrictions on shipping and transport of uranium in several Australian states, including Queensland and Western Australia, remain.
Mr Argus, the former BHP Billiton chief executive, cautiously welcomed Queensland’s possible re-entry to uranium mining.
Mr Argus however decried governments’ lack of focus on Australia’s natural gas reserves.
“Uranium is still the cheapest of the so-called alternative energy sources,” Mr Argus said. “But I am surprised that governments haven’t adjusted to the gas option as distinct from what appears to be, in
some cases, inefficient renewable energy in the form of wind farms.” http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/uranium-cheapest-alternative-fuel-20121023-2838o.html#ixzz2AWguXGhW
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