The past week in nuclear news: Australia
Muckaty nuclear waste dump plan to meet increasing opposition, as Australian groups, especially unions, support traditional owners’ legal action against the plan. Meanwhile Tony Abbott is happy about the plan – saying that “local concerns have to give way to the national interest”
Aborigines. To a deafening silence from the Australian mainstream media, Senate – Labor and Liberal unite in passing new Northern Territory Intervention, judged discriminatory by Aboriginal groups, human rights groups, and lawyers. Michael Anderson leads a national Aboriginal movement to stop Aborigines being deceived out of their land.
Carbon tax began on July 1st – to an avalanche of negative media, and negative Liberal campaigning . Climate Institute estimates the carbon tax could create up to 32,000 clean-energy jobs by 2030 Superannuation funds investing in renewabel energy, as carbon tax gives the incentive. Tony Abbott promises doom and gloom, and vows to repeal carbon tax legislation.
Pro nuclear propaganda. Barry Brook and pro associates from South Australia push for nuclear reactors (and indeed, the whole nuclear fuel cycle) for Australia
Renewable Energy : Australian Renewable Energy Agency Board starts off, overseeing funding for renewable energy research and development. Aborigines and solar company join forces to bring solar energy projects to regional Western Australia. New wind farm for Barossa Valley would power about 68,000 homes a yea.r Wave energy for Victoria, with world’s biggest wave energy turbine.
Julian Assange. Australia’s foreign minister contradicts the evidence, in asserting that USA does not plan to try Assange for espionage.
Rare earths. Globe company to mine rare earths in Mozambique, but sen dthem to China for processing, as Australian company Lynas’ plans for reprocessing rare earths in Malaysia go awry
The nuclear news week that was, in Australia
Court proceedings on Muckaty nuclear waste dump adjourned till end of year, or later, – elderly Aboriginal traditional landowners waiting – (till they die?)
Carbon tax system to start on July 1, estimated to help rather than hurt, financial status of lower and middle income earners. But Tony Abbott revs up his rhetoric against it.
Lynas rare earths – Australian company still hampered in its Malaysian venture, but Malaysian govt has set new “flimsy” condition sfor the project. Meanwhile Lynas is pulling out of a similar venture in Africa.
International relations. As Pacific Island nations pledge to renewable energy future, Australian govt quietly promotes nuclear energy for South East Asia.
Distributed solar energy already having its effect on Australia’s energy utilities. CSIRO report shows that it is not responsible for electricity price rises.
Julian Assange seeks asylum in Ecuador. Australia’s Foreign Minster Bob Carr gives mixed messages on whether Australian govt will help Assange. Carr denies knowledge of USA govt’s wishes to convict Assange of espionage.
Queensland Premier Newman intensifies his attack on renewable energy, particularly solar, breaking election promises. Queensland to maintain its ban on uranium mining, despite pressure from Tony Abbott.
New South Wales – govt entices Aborigines to get involved in the uranium business
Victoria. Cathy Oke, Greens candidate for upcoming by election, campaigns for scrapping of Baillieu govt’s anti-wind power laws. Moves for community owned solar farm in Bacchus Marsh, and wind farm for Macedon Ranges
Western Australia. Uranium nining development there is far from assured, still many hurdles.
Australia’s carbon tax – theme for this week
Just seven days to go, and we wonder what kind of stunt Tony Abbott will try to pull, to stop it before it’s too late. Has Australia ever before witnessed an opposition leader who will go to any lengths to destroy a Prime Minister? Regardless of the damage done to Australia’s economy, Tony Abbott has obsessively and relentlessly aimed for a double dissolution of Parliament.
And why? Does Abbott really care whether there’s a carbon tax or not? Abbott just wants to be TOP – it’s as simple as that. With the funding and backing of the pollutng industries, and their mouthpieces, such as the Institute of Public Affairs, and the Murdoch media – Tony Abbott thought that the way to the TOP would be by riding along on the anti carbon tax campaign.
Tony, setting his sights on a double dissolution which would usher in his cancellation of the carbon tax, just didn’t factor in the possibility that, despite every dirty tactic in the book, and not in the book, the double dissolution has not happened. Yet, anyway – perhaps Abbott thinks he can still pull it off within this week?
The interesting part will be the repercussions after the tax comes in. When Liberal Prime Minister John Howard brought in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) – his opponents predicted doom. But – doom just didn’t happen.
Tony Abbott’s predictions of Armageddon following the carbon tax might just end up looking silly. Christina Macpherson
The week in nuclear news – Australia
Nuclear propaganda booming, even if nuclear industry is declining. Barry Brook comes out with magical prospects for Australia’s nuclear future. Martin Ferguson spruiks for uranium mining in Queensland, but Premier Newman will stick to his electoral promise to keep uranium mining ban in Queensland.
BHP Billiton – interesting times, as its former wonder boy, CEO Marius Kloppers is at odds with investors, who are justifiably worried about BHP’s plan for big new Olympic Damn uranium mine, – its economic viability not looking good. But Tony Abbott pledges his troth to it.
Giant cuttlefish. Australian Greens call for a halt to industrial development, especially desalination plant, at Point Lowly, because of danger of extinction of this unique animal.
Carbon tax. As Minister Greg Combet points out, Australia is one of 30+ countries with carbon pricing, dispelling the claims made by Tony Abbott, as the start date for the tax, July 1, grows near.
Nuclear spin. Apparently getting more desperate to convince Australians, the nuclear lobby touts the idea of small nuclear reactors to power rural mining sites.
Western Australia Conservation Council of WA and Aborignal elder Glen Cooke lodge separate appeals against the EPA’s approval of Toro Energy’s planned uranium mine at Wiluna
Solar power- Giant solar energy project due to be operational near Broken Hill, by 2015. Solar PV on rooftops going ahead – and the electricity grids can cope with plenty more.
Wind power Victorian and NSW governments out of step with community. Clean Energy Council’s survey finds that 80% of Australians regard wind energy as not harmful to health.
The week that was – nuclear news Australia
Can’t help it – I’ve had to go mostly for renewable energy news – so much more is really happening – world-wide – and on the brink in Australia. It’s happening at the grassroots – with solar panels popping up on more and more houses , and with campaigners like the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. New survey shows that 94% of Australians want big solar power development.
Threat to unique Australian species – the beautiful GIANT CUTTLEFISH. Olympic Damn 
uranium mine and its associated desalination plant will almost certainly mean the extinction of this animal, as it requires exquisitely balanced salt/freshwater content in its breeding ground in North Spencer Gulf. Martin Ferguson lobbied successfully, on behalf of BHP, for weakening of environmental protection there
Airport scanners. Australia is getting the non radiation “millimetre radio wave” type, not the radiation “backscatter” type. (as wrongly reported recently in Herald Sun)
Uranium sales to India – new survey shows that a whopping majority of Austtralians oppose this.
Julian Assange. PRIME Minister Julia Gillard, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Foreign Minister Bob Carr all mouth a few platitudes about supporting Assange. But in reality Gillard and the Australian government have been hand in glove with the USA in its plans to convict him of espionage.
Olympic Dam – massive proposed new uranium mine is in doubt. It’s the dream baby of Marius Kloppers, CEO of BHP Billiton, who is now having to back-pedal about this development. Analysts are betting on Olympic Dam being the least likely to go ahead, out of of BHP’s $80 billion expansion plans .
Victoria and New South Wales Wind energy development being stalled , due to government policies designed to do exactly that.
South Australia. Wind power is powering ahead here., and providing “baseload” power. Despite the propaganda from this State’s Nuclear enthusiast Barry Brook, Premier Jay Weatherill stated that nuclear power is not a viable option.
Queensland. Tony Abbott joins forces with Premier Campbell Newman is his campaign to remove federal environmental safeguards on new projects, while the State’s Minister for Environment, Andrew Powell announces his scepticism about climate change
Australia’s amazing and unique animal, the giant cuttlefish, should be saved from BHP Billiton
Australians in general are not aware of the extraordinary beauty, and uniqueness, of the Giant Cuttlefish. This superb animal is a tourist attraction, for those who know about it. It moves gracefully, and changes its colour often, going through an array of beautiful colours. The giant cuttlefish depends on very special conditions, with a delicate balance of salinity in the water, These conditions are unique to the upper area of Spencer Gulf, in South Australia, where the cuttlefish migrate each winter to breed.
If it were the kangaroo, or the koala, that was threatened by BHP Billiton’s project for a monster uranium mine, and desalination plant, there would surely be a public outcry across Australia, and an iconic species would be saved from extinction.
As it is, those who understand this critical issue can draw hope only from the current woes of BHP. I mean -that the economic viability of the proposed Olympic damn new monster uranium mine is now in doubt. Money problems – such as the $30 billion cost of the megamine – might save the giant cuttlefish, – sure as hell the Australian government isn’t going to save it. – Christina Macpherson
Australia’s pro nuclear advocates getting nervous about the industry
Anxiety, fear – these are the emotions that bring about anger, hatred, and extreme statements.
Today’s AUSTRALIAN gives a fine example of this, in a pro nuclear article by Brendan O’Neill. It appears against a backdrop of news that must be very worrying for the nuclear/uranium industries. (BHP possibly going to scrap Olympic Dam uranium expansion, or certainly delay it, at least – Japan looking as if it mightget through the summer without nuclear power (shock horror) – thorium reactor debate suggesting that uranium sales would plummet, renewable eenergy getting cheaper. it’s all a worry for nuclear power proponents.)
So – Brendan O’Neill comes out with “The risks of dumping nuclear are too great”. He tells us that: “green campaigners scream” “anti-nuclear hysteria poses a far greater threat to life and limb than does nuclear power itself” “eco-activists canrole-play being brave warriors”
He is very enthusiastic about the extremism of the anti nuclear side.
But – very low key about nuclear disasters – ” Progress, especially of the nuclear variety, can sometimes have less
than desirable consequences. But as we saw in Fukushima, and also in Chernobyl before it, it is entirely possible to contain those consequences and to limit the downsides” – Less than desirable consequences !- what a lovely way to dismiss the accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima
On the effect of Fukushima on Europe – O’Neill says ” it has unleashed a metaphorical tsunami of anti-nuclear panic” – quoting German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the example of such panic. (Last I heard Germany was doing very well in the current global economic problem, and a global leader in renewable energy)
He bemoans the “real lethal danger” of the “hysterical turn” against nuclear energy.
I thought that it was the anti nuclear activists who were supposed to use emotional, panicky language. It looks as if Brendan O’Neill, bereft of facts, is in a bit of a panic himself. – Christina Macpherson
Wrap up of the week’s Australian nuclear news
Olympic Damn uranium mine. There is doubt about the future of BHP Billiton’s planned new mega mine (biggest man-made hole in the world). The project will cost about $30 billion to set up, before making one cent of profit – some 30 years hence. No wonder investors are a bit jittery about it. With the global economic down-turn, a slowing Chinese economy, low copper price, and continuing slide in uranium price, BHP is having second thoughts. Investment fund managers are relieved.
Of course, especially in the Australian media BHP executives Jacques Nasser and wonder boy Marius Kloppers are blaming it on the Australian government’s mining tax, (even though uranium mining is exempt) and on the carbon tax. And, BHP is mounting a determined campaign against the unions. Subservient Australian federal and State governments vow to help BHP with their damn expansion.
Global warming. A revolutionary new research study shows that the Australasian region has warmed more over the past 5 years, than in the past 1000 years, and attributes this to man-made greenhouse emissions.
Muckaty nuclear waste dump plan. Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) comes out strongly against this Northern Territory waste dump plan. Ian Howe explains the wisdom of temporary nuclear waste storage at Lucas Heights, and calls for a public inquiry and public discussion on Australia’s nuclear wastes.
Radiation monitoring. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) doesn’t do very much of this. Less than 1% of base stations in Australia have been radiation tested
Coal seam gas. Most of the scientists advising the federal government on coal-seam gas pollution have financial links with the mining industry.
Uranium, environmental issues, make strange political bed-fellows
Nuclear power, climate change, pollution , public health, our children’s future – these are issues that rise above and beyond politics.
That’s a a fact that is quietly emerging. It is a reason why I try to steer clear of party political views, and especially because of the occasional surprises. In England, for example, there’s the Tory politician Zac Goldsmith – a firm opponent of nuclear power.
In Australia, today, there’s prominent businesswoman Eve Mahlab, a darling of the Liberal Party, speaking up for Labor Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and for the public’s appreciation of renewabl energy.
And there’s supposedly Labor, Paul Howes, making it clear that everything, and particularly the environment, should be sacrificed for politcal gain – he seems to be further right than the Liberals.
And then there’s the record of Bob Katter – notoriously far right-wing politician, speaking out against environmental pollution, and cover-ups in uranium mining.
Wrap up of the week’s Australian nuclear news
Uranium miner Toro Energy promotes quack scientist Doug Boreham ‘s speaking tours to preach the false gospel that low level radiation is harmless. Medical doctors call on Toro to stop this.
South Australia grants lease for Four Mile uranium mine – which is mainly owned by nuclear weapons making company. BHP Billiton and the Federal Government out to punish Aborignal elder Kevin Buzzacott, with legal costs for his one man battle against the planned Olympic Dam uranium mega-mine.
Northern Territory Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) will shut down Ranger open cut mine, in the context of their financial losses, and weather problems. But they are building huge underground infrastructure in the guise of “exploration” – as they do not have approval for underground mining.
ABORIGINAL leaders from Arnhem Land communities have threatened a revolt against the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures laws
Nuclear waste returning to Australia as contracted will join the much larger amount already stored at Lucas Heights, in a new waste facility to be built. Sutherland Shire Mayor understandably angry, as the Shire was not consulted by ANSTO .
Queensland Premier says no plans for uranium mining, desite pressure from Mt Isa Mayor – cum – nuclear lobbyist Tony McGrady
Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland Liberal governments fighting tooth and nail against action on climate change, against the carbon tax, renewable energy initiatives, like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Victoria’s draconian laws stopping new wind power, while more favourable laws promote coal projects. Still new wind energy projects are starting up in NSW and S.A., and decentralised solar power racing ahead in all States.
Australian Aborigines could run their own solar energy projects – better than being uranium miners
Amidst the brouhaha of the ABC’s weird documentary on beliefs about climate change, I thought of reviving my Flat Earth project. The ABC would surely give me equal time.
But, more interesting – the Uranium Association’s pitch to give jobs to Aborigines. When I think about Aboriginal culture – how they belong to the land, their historic role of looking after the land, water, plants and animals, I can’t see uranium mining as being in any way a satisfying job , in such a culture.
I was struck by the comparison with what is happening in USA, where the government has awarded $6.5 million to spur renewable energy development on tribal lands. The lands will not be destroyed, as they are with uranium mining. The work will not be dirty and cancer-causing. the Navajo will not be solely employees, but will own the business. The projects will be set up on arid, or semi arid land.
Now why can’t Australia do the same kind of positive thing for its Aboriginal people, rather than leave them to function as servants and part of the spin of the dirty, dangerous, uranium/nuclear industry?
BHP and Lynas – BIG is not necessarily beautiful or commercially successful
Australia’s a great place for the myth of BIG. Apart from its odd icons like The Big Banana, Big Pineapple, Big Cow – for kids to gawk at, – Australia also boasts BIG mining/processing plans for adults to gawk at.
So – we have the prospect of – The Biggest Man-Made Hole on the planet – BHP Billiton’s new open cut Olympic Damn uranium mine. And the prospect of the Biggest Rare Earths Processing Plant on the planet – Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) – being placed in Malaysia, but by an Australian company.
Or do we have those prospects? There’s some doubt that the new Olympic Dam will be commercially viable, or will even get the go ahead from the BHP Board. There’s some doubt that LAMP will go ahead, in its present planned form, as Malaysia might insist on a proper plan for long term disposal of its radioactive wastes
Wrap up of the week’s Australian nuclear news
Olympic Dam uranium mine expansion. Justice Besanko will hand down his ruling this Friday 20th April on legal challenge against Federal Environment Minister’s approval for this. Meanwhile, also on 20th April, a Supreme Court first directions hearing of challenge against the South Australian govt’s approval.
Radiation incident, NSW: New South Wales Pacific Highway road workers’ mysterious illness. Affected by DDT or radiation from a 1980 radioactive transport spill? Inquiry to be held.
Northern Territory govt to allow uranium exploration in water catchment area for planned new dam.
Carbon tax compensation to start in May. Clean Energy Finance Corporation ready to go, and Tony Abbott, no matter how much twisting and turning he does, won’t be able to stop it. Review by expert panel gives the CEFC a good rap.
Federal Politics. Australian Greens. Sudden and gracious resignation of Greens leader Bob Brown. Christine Milne takes over, with a plan for working with rural and regional Australia for sustainable energy. Council of Australian Governments being pressured by BHP and others, especially the South Australian Government, to remove Federal Government environmental jurisdiction over projects. (E.g – it would be so much nicer for Olympic Dam expansion to not have to worry about what the rest of Australia thinks about its water use, or radioactive dust clouds).
Western Australia’s big solar farm due to be operational within months.
Uranium miners ERA and Paladin put on a bold face, but their debts and share price decline tells a different story. Ranger uranium mine may well close down.
Wrap up of the week’s Australian nuclear news
Renewables. I know that they are not strictly a nuclear topic – but what can I do? There’s just a whole lot more happening there, than in the tired out nuclear stillbirth. In Queensland. Scouller Energy, is pressing ahead with a plan to build a10-megawatt solar plant near Normanton – even as the Queensland government withdraws support for solar . In Western Australia, Horizon Power comes up with a solar feed-in tariff that will reward remote communities according to the costs saved in transmission of electricity over distance. Energy efficiency gets a boost with Sydney‘s plan for cogeneration and on-site production of electricity
Future Fund. New Chairman David Gonski confronted with the facts on its investment in nuclear weapons, while Australia proclaims its nuclear non proliferation stand. Rising public condemnation of this hypocrisy.
Court case. Uncle Kevin Buzzacott’s legal action against the planned new huge Olympic Dam uranium mine. The judge is considering the mass of doumentary evidence, and has deferred his judgment. I is not all going BPH Billiton’s way. Among other considerations, there was much debate about BHP’s planned use of water resources.
Climate change. While new scientific evidence confirms human caused climate change, Australia’s monopoly media is shown to have given an inordinate amount of coverage to the climate denialist point of view, – in a forensic study by Wendy Bacon, of 6 months of news coverage of the Gillard government’s carbon tax plan.
Japan and Germany could bring the death blow to the nuclear industry
Australia’s geographic isolation probably combines with its Murdoch media monopoly to keep Australians pretty much ignorant of what’s going on in the world.
This website tries to focus on Australian news. But we do need to give the odd glance to international developments.
While the Australian media gives coverage to glowing praise of uranium investing, and even of a nuclear future for Australia – there’s a lack of information on big trends overseas.
JAPAN. What’s going on there now is critical for the nuclear industry. With the one remaining nuclear reactor soon to shut down, the Japanese government is urgently wanting to restart others. Why? Because it could be shown that Japan can manage without nuclear power.
GERMANY. What’s going on there now is critical for the nuclear industry. Renewable energy, solar, wind, biomass is proving to be successful, and Germany’s economy is doing well, with thousands of jobs provided. It’s showing that nuclear power is not necessary.
If these 2 highly developed industrialised nations can do without nuclear power – then worldwide precedents are set – and this could be the final death blow for the global nuclear industry.
1 This month
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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