Australia’s uranium industry not really winning, despite Olympic Dam
While the Olympic Dam mine expansion is proceeding, and the tiny Honeymoon mine has begun producing tiny amounts of uranium, there has been much to celebrate for anti-uranium campaigners this year:
* Uranium mining has been banned in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in SA.
* A strong campaign has put in jeopardy the proposed Angela Pamela uranium mine in the NT. At various stages both the NT Labor government and the Country Liberal Opposition have opposed the mine.
* Traditional Owners have put an end to plans to mine the Koongarra deposit in the NT. Jeffrey Lee (at right) resisted uranium lobby $millions
* At least two proposed uranium mines in WA have been put on hold (and hopefully abandoned).
* The WA Labor Opposition has strongly reaffirmed its no-uranium policy.
* All the eastern states/territories maintain their bans on uranium mining.
* ERA has abandoned plans to use heap-leach uranium mining at Ranger in the NT (though it still has other plans to expand the mine).
* The extraordinary early-1980s film ‘Dirt Cheap’ – about the Ranger mine in the NT – has been updated and is being launched in November/December.
* Figures from the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics show a 19% fall in the value of Australian uranium exports from 2009-10 to 2010-11. Uranium accounts for a paltry 0.3% of Australia’s export revenue and 0.03% of jobs in Australia.
The uranium industry is in denial, continuing to claim that the debate has been settled in Australia (in its favour) and making comparisonswith Saudi oil exports which distort reality by several orders of magnitude.
South Australian Parliament trashes state environmental, heritage, aboriginal laws in passing Roxby Downs Indenture Bill
Dark day as state laws trashed in Roxby riches rush The Parliamentary debate over the Roxby expansion Indenture Bill has confirmed that the State Government has delivered a bad deal for South Australia, says Greens Parliamentary Leader Mark Parnell.
“This is a dark day for our State’s democracy. The Government has locked in for the next 70 years the right of the world’s richest resource company to over-ride all relevant State laws,” said Mr Parnell.
“The hours of debate in Parliament has shown that in the rush to get this deal signed before ex-Premier Rann departed, the State Government has given too much away for too little in return.
“The environmental costs are going to be much higher, and the economic return will be much lower than the SA public rightly expect.
“Parliament has exposed the yawning gap between the Government’s hyperbolic spin over the Roxby riches and the dark reality of this terrible deal.
“Future generations are going to be disgusted with us for giving their resources away for a pittance and leaving them to deal with the enormous toxic legacy of managing the world’s largest radioactive waste dump,” he said.
The Greens put forward a package of amendments that would have positively transformed the Indenture contract.
The controversial Bill has now passed both houses of State Parliament, with only the Greens voting against it.
What the debate exposed:
- · The local jobs, manufacturing and local procurement Plan will contain ‘aspirational’ targets only. Not one extra job is guaranteed.
- · The ‘net’ economic return to state coffers in years 10-20 of the project could be as low as $10 million / year – and that’s even before millions are given back to BHPB through Federal subsidies like the diesel fuel rebate.
· No explanation for locking in royalty rates at a low rate for 45 years – apart from that is what BHP wanted.
- · The Government did not do any comparative economic analysis with similar projects interstate and overseas to see if we were getting a good economic deal.
- · There is nothing the Government can do to make BHPB expand their domestic processing up to an additional 200,000 tonnes of ore (as has been promised by the Premier and others). In fact, there is nothing to stop BHP exporting all ore from Roxby Downs to China (including the ore that is currently processed here).
- · Govt has relied entirely on BHPB’s figures for the cost of processing in SA rather than exporting South Australian copper ore to China.
· BHPB can continue to extract fossil water from the Great Artesian Basin until 2082, with costs capped for the next 30 years.
· Third parties won’t have any right to access the railways, roads, ports and airports being constructed for the expansion.
· No cumulative impacts of this expansion (beyond the artificial EIS timeframe of 40 years) have been considered.
- · The Government doesn’t know what impact the ODX will have on the State’s greenhouse pollution reduction targets.
- · The toxic tailings waste dams have been deliberately designed to leak.
- · The final operating conditions to protect the marine environment at Point Lowly will not be known for years and will be negotiated in secret.
Australia to break international law in selling uranium to India
Ms Gillard not only failed to inform Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd of her nuclear trade ambitions, but she also failed to consult government lawyers.
Uranium for India deal ‘may be illegal’, Canberra Times, BY CHRIS JOHNSON, CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, 29 Nov, 2011 Australia will be in breach of international law if it sells uranium to India without the nuclear-armed nation first opening up its atomic facilities for independent inspection.
Leading international law expert Don Rothwell, from the Australian National University, has provided that legal opinion to the Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The non-governmental organisation will issue the formal legal advice today. In it, Professor Rothwell insists that the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga, prohibits Australia from selling uranium to countries that have not accepted full safeguards outlined in the Non- Proliferation Treaty. Continue reading
Australia joins international community in climate action, and credibility for Durban conference
CLIMATE POLICY We’ve Got Climate Cred – Now What? New Matilda, 29 Nov 2011 With clean energy laws passed, Australian reps can speak with credibility about international climate policy. Sophie Trevitt reports on expectations about the UN climate talks in Durban
This month, the Clean Energy Bills passed through the Senate and were enacted into law. Australia took its first step towards preventing dangerous climate change — joining almost 100 other major economies that have implemented accountable policies to reduce carbon pollution.
Now, Australia stands alongside nearly 200 countries in Durban, South Africa, for the United Nations Climate Conference 2011. Australian representatives can for the first time speak with some credibility in this international forum, having implemented a domestic policy that provides a framework for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The International Energy Commission has recently released research which suggests that if our consumption of fossil fuels is not drastically and immediately reduced, we will face runaway climate change within five years. That means more extreme weather events like Cyclone Yasi, bushfires and extreme heat waves for Australia — and it means many of the Pacific Islands will become uninhabitable.
With some progress made in Cancun last year, the question hanging above Durban is how much and how fast substantive progress can be made. Negotiations this year are expected to shift away from the symbolic rhetoric that has characterised previous conferences; and hopes remain high that strong cooperative action will be instigated…..
Australia has good reason to celebrate enacting our first climate laws. The Climate Talks in Durban present an opportunity for Australia to catch up with the rest of the world before it is too late. We’ve taken the first step at home. Now we need to join with the international community and pledge to dramatically cut our emissions by at least 15 per cent; investing in the renewable alternatives available in Australia as one of the sunniest and windiest countries in the world. http://newmatilda.com/2011/11/29/weve-got-durban-cred-now-what
The Nuclear Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill – new law coming to Australia
Australian Lawmakers to Consider Nuclear Terror Bill, NTI Nov. 28, 2011 Lawmakers in Australia have received a bill intended to bolster the nation’s posture against nuclear terrorism, Australian Attorney General Robert McClelland announced on Wednesday (see GSN, May 8, 2009). The Nuclear Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 would institute as national law the requirements set on member nations to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.
“This bill sends a strong message to the international community demonstrating Australia’s continued commitment to addressing the threat of terrorism,” McClelland said in a press release. “It will also strengthen Australia’s case in encouraging our neighboring countries to ratify the 16 international counterterrorism instruments.”
The legislation increases the number of criminal offenses covered by the 1987 Nuclear Nonproliferation (Safeguards) Act that bans the illicit application of radioactive substances and nuclear plants. It sets a two-decade maximum punishment for crimes listed in the 24-year-old law.
“Acts of nuclear terrorism, including conduct relating to radiological and nuclear material, may result in grave consequences and pose a threat to international peace and security,” McClelland said. “We need to make sure that any act of nuclear terrorism is treated as a criminal offense” (Australian Attorney General Robert McClelland release, Nov. http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20111128_5611.php
Big Australian union will fight decision to sell uranium to India
Union digs in over uranium for India, BY:EWIN HANNAN AND BRENDAN NICHOLSON , The Australian November 28, 2011 ONE of the biggest left-wing unions has promised to fight Julia Gillard’s decision to support selling uranium to India at this week’s ALP national conference.
Electrical Trades Union national secretary Peter Tighe accused the Prime Minister of rewarding India for its “flagrant disregard” of international commitments…. The Left is opposed to any dilution of the party’s position on India, which has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty….. Mr Tighe said the decision was “alarming” and he would pursue the issue. “This policy shift has been sold as ‘modernising’ Labor’s position on uranium, but there’s nothing ‘modern’ about nuclear weapons or energy,” he said.
“We can have all the safeguards we like, but as soon as yellowcake leaves Australian shores, we lose control over it. India developed its nuclear capacity with no regard to international commitments. It is highly irresponsible to reward such flagrant disrespect of the international community with uranium supplies.
“The union is particularly concerned in the context of ongoing tension between India and Pakistan over the disputed regions of Jammu and Kashmir.”A recent meeting of the union’s divisional council passed a motion condemning the policy shift.
“This divisional council calls on all ALP delegates attending the ALP national conference to oppose any changes that allows any increase in sales of uranium,” it says. “Further, divisional council directs the divisional secretary to write to all ALP conference delegates . . . asking them to oppose any change to ALP policy.” Mr Tighe said nuclear power and energy had “horrific consequences” and Australia should “have no part in it”. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/union-digs-in-over-uranium-for-india/story-fn59niix-1226207507185
Doctors say Alice Springs at risk from transport of radioactive waste:
Alice Springs, 28
November 2010: An Alice Springs-based team of doctors has completed a study of the potential risks of transport of radioactive waste materials, and has launched a fact sheet to explain the findings. Co-author, MAPW member Dr Tom Keaney, believes that this work is timely, with the proposed waste repository at Muckaty currently the subject of a major national debate.
- Read the MAPW Fact Sheet on transport of radioactive waste
- Read the media release by MAPW Northern Territory Branch
- Read the MAPW fact sheet: Q&A on the nuclear waste – explaining what it is planned to bury, or store, at the Muckaty site. http://www.mapw.org.au/news/alice-springs-risk-transport-radioactive-waste-mapw-nt-members
South Australia: Labor and Liberal toe the BHP Billiton line on Roxby Downs Indenture Bill
Roxby debate exposes BHPB radioactive racism Greens MLC Mark Parnell has questioned why the SA government, under the Roxby Downs Indenture Ratification Amendment Bill 2011, is allowing BHP Billiton to continue to override the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.
The answers in Hansard reveal BHP Billiton’s continued radioactive racism and of the failure of the State to respect or to protect Aboriginal people’s interests including Aboriginal Heritage. The ALP and the Liberals voted together to prevent the Greens deleting Clause 8 of the Bill and repealing Section 9 of the Roxby Downs Indenture Ratification Act 1892:
Extracts: The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I have been advised that that is what the agreement was at the time and that BHP currently are only willing to consider the continuation of the current arrangements.
… I have been advised that BHP insisted that the current arrangements continue and they were not prepared to consider changes to that.
… I have been advised that BHP were satisfied with the current arrangements and insisted on the continuation of these arrangements, and the government did not consult further than that.
ROXBY DOWNS (INDENTURE RATIFICATION) (AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE) AMENDMENT BILL
In committee. Legislative Council, Thursday 24th November 2011. Page 4699-4717 (the second of three Hansard sections on that day re the Roxby Indenture) http://hansard.parliament.sa.gov.au/pages/loaddoc.aspx?e=2&eD=2011_11_24&c=26 Continue reading
Australia – get ready for a summer of climate denialist lies!
Christopher Monckton the Lord of Mendacity, Independent Australia 27 Nov 11 Lord Christopher Monckton has deliberately and systematically lied and dissembled to mislead the public on climate change, says Associate Professor John Abraham. This summer, the people of Australia will yet again be treated to a circus tour. It will make light of one of the most pressing problems facing this planet.That problem, climate change, will not go away even though an orchestrated group of contrarians wishes it would. The most outspoken leader of this troupe is Christopher Monckton, a person with excellent credentials in speaking but no credentials in real science (he has not published a single peer-reviewed paper on any scientific topic).
Christopher Monckton presents himself as a fair and accurate interpreter of the science, but a careful examination of his views shows that he is anything but fair and accurate. He was most recently seen comparing Ross Garnaut, the Australian government’s climate change adviser (and author for this series) to a Nazi.
Real scientists have never taken Mr. Monckton seriously. This hasn’t stopped him from traveling the world, presenting his views on science to anyone who will listen….. We have a serious problem facing us. In order to make wise and informed decisions, we need accurate information.
Only with good information can we decide which pathway offers us the cheapest and most effective means to deal with climate change. This is why CSIRO recently dropped sponsorship from an Australian conference at which Monckton will be speaking later this month. It’s also why Monckton was dumped from a private school networking event on the Gold Coast.
When people like Christopher Monckton misrepresent science, with an obvious agenda to delay action, they make our decisions more difficult and more expensive. Instead of making light of the issue of climate change, instead of vilifying people who are genuinely concerned, instead of presenting inaccurate science, we should find ways to work together in a civil manner to collectively choose a path forward…. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/environment/christopher-monckton-the-lord-of-mendacity/
Australia has now weakened its case to get on the United Nations Security Council
Opposition was led by Norway, Austria, and Mexico, with powerful support from the Cluster Munition Coalition, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and a large number of UN agencies, notably the UN Development Program, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Which got me to thinking about Australia’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.
It its core pitch document, Australia prioritises active participation in “international peace and security” as it’s second highest contribution to the UN over its 65 year history. ….
Australia:…
- initiated the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons and, more recently with Japan, the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
Arguably, enough has been done in November to all but unravel Australia’s UN Security Council message that proudly states, ”Australia: We do what we say”.
Obama’s Darwin naval base ….
Cluster munitions ratification
…..the provision in the legislation explicitly permitting stockpiling will remain, and many are rightly worried that a future – or present – government may reneg on their stated commitment. Labor under Rudd and Gillard have, certain WikiLeaks cables have revealed, taken an active role behind the scenes to dilute the standard limiting the production, trasnfer and use of cluster munitions…….
Gillard’s about-turn on uranium ….
..Most worryingly, if approved, this action would go completely against the Australian-sponsored International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament report in 2009:……
Wither Australia’s normative leadership Combined with a perceived level of indifference for the rule of law during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the Gillard governments voting against Palestine’s UNESCO membership, it is inconceivable that Australia may reasonably pitch themselves as principled and responsible international citizens at this time
Labor’s Party President says No to uranium sales to India
Re-elected Labor Party president Jenny McAllister says yes to gays, no to uranium, BY:MILANDA ROUT , The Australian November 26, 2011 “……Jenny McAllister says she has always been opposed to expanding uranium exports.
Ms McAllister, from the party’s Left faction, was yesterday declared the winner of the month-long ballot for the figurehead role after more than 12,000 votes were lodged by members……
Ms McAllister, who campaigned on a platform of party reform, also said she had concerns about exporting uranium to more countries. The Prime Minister last week announced her plan to lift the ban on uranium sales to India.
“I have a longstanding and very public position against the expansion of uranium exports,” Jenny McAllister said…..
She said she was especially looking forward to discussing ways to give grassroots members more of a voice in the party’s policy formation…http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/re-elected-labor-party-president-says-yes-to-gays-no-to-uranium/story-fn59niix-1226206539925
India’s nuclear future now shaky – might not need Australia’s uranium
In the shadow of increasingly fierce grassroots opposition, India’s nuclear ambitions – and Australia’s future uranium cash cow – are looking decidedly less promising.
India’s nuclear ambitions come up against people power, BY:AMANDA HODGE, IDINTHAKARAI, TAMIL NADU :The Australian . November 26, 2011 1 India’s Koodankulam nuclear power project is like the proverbial cockroach in an atomic storm. It has survived the fall of the Soviet Union, the assassination of an Indian prime minister and the Boxing Day tsunami, when waves surged over the site where it now stands.
The first of six reactors to be built on the shore of India’s southernmost tip in Tamil Nadu was to have been switched on next month, 23 years after Mikhail Gorbachev and the slain Rajiv Gandhi signed off on the friendship project.
Instead it has hit another obstacle – an emerging national anti-nuclear campaign that has gained serious momentum since Japan’s Fukushima meltdown in March. Continue reading
Danish visitors puzzled by Victoria’s laws against wind farms
Wind turbine rules mystify Danes, The Age, Adam MortoNovember 26, 2011 The head of the world’s largest wind energy company has questioned the Baillieu government’s rationale for giving households veto rights over turbines within two kilometres of their homes.
Ditlev Engel, chief executive of Danish company Vestas, said he had ”no idea” where the policy had come from. Mr Engel, who is visiting Victoria with Crown Prince Frederik and Tasmanian-born Crown Princess Mary, said no one had explained the motivation for Victoria’s most restrictive regulations on turbines.
Mr Engel backed opening wind farms to the public to dispel myths about wind power. Denmark generates a quarter of its energy from wind power. Vestas had turbine blade manufacturing plants in Victoria and Tasmania, but they closed in 2007 over policy uncertainty… http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wind-turbine-rules-mystify-danes-20111125-1nzb0.html#ixzz1eqqTjYpA
Australians can now check out coal seam gas activities on ABC’s new map
ABC’s new CSG site, ABC News 24 Nov The ABC has mapped every coal seam gas well in the country and compiled a bank of information on a new website available from today.
The site explores the cumulative impacts of coal seam gas activities in Australia, including the amount of water used to produce CSG and the consequences for salinity and greenhouse gas emissions. ABC journalist and site creator Wendy Carlisle says people can look up a well by place name or postcode. “This industry has, you know, arisen out of almost nowhere in the last decade” she said.
“There is no site you can go to which presents to you in a readily understandable way the extent of the industry as it currently stands.”(There’s) information about how much water may be extracted, how much salt could be extracted and what the greenhouse gas footprint of those activities are likely to be.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-24/abc-sets-up-new-website-about-coal-seam-gas-mining/3690542
Gas lobby attacks Australian Broadcasting Commission over its coal seam gas website
The ABC said it had conducted the report to counter the lack of available, readily understandable information about the industry, including its environmental impacts. The report, which features an interactive website, consolidates government and industry reports on CSG, many of which are more than 10,000 pages.
Gas lobby blows up over ABC ‘errors’, BY:ANTHONY KLAN AND AMOS AIKMAN, The Australian November 26, 2011 THE coal-seam gas lobby has attacked an ABC report into the practice as “riddled with factual errors” and lodged an official complaint with the broadcaster. Continue reading
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