Reflections on the past week in nuclear news
It has been a week of protests – so intense that the mainstream media has felt obliged to actually cover them. In Australia, the Lizards Revenge http://lizardsrevenge.net/ brought hundreds of protestors for a festival of music, entertainment and information to the very heart of the uranium industry – BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia. A massive police and security presence did not bring about the violence (that the media might have enjoyed).
The Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia led the protest in Fremantle, targeting the Australian uranium conference, an particularly, Toro Energy.
In Japan, in the sweltering heat, 170,000 people rallied outside Prime Minister Noda’s residence peacefully voicing their protest at the restart of one nuclear reactor. As in Australia, this protest was peaceful.
In other developments, the rise of thyroid abnormalities in Fukushima children indicates the continuing seriousness of the health effects of Fukushima. The nuclear lobby continues to push the completely unproven and scientifically unaccepted theories of low doses of radiation being “good for you”, or at least harmless. The USA’s nuclear revival well and truly stalled, due to the growing recognition that “new nuclear” can’t go ahead without a real plan for waste disposal. Meanwhile Britain struggles with the unacceptable costs of its planned nuclear expansion, and even more, with its dilemma over what to do with its huge plutonium waste pile at Sellafield.
Mainstream media distortion of the Olympic Damn uranium mine issue
Christina Macpherson 18 July 12, Today is the officially final day of the anti uranium protest – the Lizard’s Revenge, at Olympic Dam. The mainstream media has given scant coverage to this large well-organised, and peaceful festival of the movement for clean energy, and for closing down BHP Billiton’s planned behemoth – the largest uranium mine in the world. But no doubt the media will be able to highlight the arrests of 13 protestors – (6 of them for the dangerous activity of playing cricket!)
I saw some coverage on SBS televison, and was fascinated to see the time given to the BHP spokesman, who stated the “authentic” Aboriginal landowners’ agreement about the mine expansion. Just who were these Aboriginal spokespeople? BHP will claim that they are the true traditional owners – the Kokatha people.
But – when you look back to the and not very far past – you find that the Kokatha people rejected uranium mining. There was never a genuine consultation with either the Kokatha or Arabunna peoples, the real traditional owners. Then a new, never before known group, appeared – the Kokatha Mula. and they formed Kokatha Mula Land Nations Council Inc and the Kokatha Olympic Dam Agreement Association Inc. This group emanated from the West Coast of South Australia, and simply – did a deal with BHP.
It’s not hard to realise that for many Aboriginals – it’s a very desirable thing to get the same living standards as the rest of Australians. Just a pity that they have to kow tow to an unethical company like BHP to get what the rest of Australians already have, without us having to see our land poisoned by uranium mining.
The Lizard’s Revenge – protest against Olympic Damn Uranium Mine – HOT NEWS
This is a special week for Australia. Pretty much ignored by the mainstream media, BHP Billiton prepares to
squander $30 billion of their investors’ money on an economically dubious Biggest Man-Made Hole in the world – Olympic Dam open cut uranium mine, at Roxby Downs, South Australia.
To be the biggest uranium mine in the world – the project also puts BHP above the law in Australia – exempted from laws in Aboriginal Heritage, Environment, Water Management, and Freedom of Information.
All this barely touches public awareness, in Australia’s media Murdochracy.
But this week, BHP will not enjoy its usual freedom from public scrutiny.
Across the Generations. At anti-nuclear rallies in South Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, there’s an interesting mix of the young and the old. As with Climate Change, it is youth who will later pay the price of the world’s polluting nuclear industry. It is “Generation Y” who are actively opposing nuclear power, along with older generations, who remember Chernobyl, even Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
A bit like the nuclear lobby – that tries on the one hand to convince the world that old, “Generation II” nuclear reactors can keep ongoing safely, and that new untested “Generation IV” nuclear reactors will be safe. Neither of those human generations believe these nuclear lobby lies Christina Macpherson
Olympic Dam copper/uranium mine is an economic flop: BHP will try to blame this on the protestors
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people who care about Australia’s environment, and about our children’s future are heading for South Australia’s Olympic Dam mine, to voice their peaceful protest against the dirty, dangerous, nuclear/uranium industry.
They will be met by mounted police, police on dirt bikes, and by the police STAR group. This is the special anti-terrorist unit – Special Tasks & Rescue Force. While STAR Group officers rarely have to fire their weapon, there have been some incidents in which STAR group officers have fired upon an armed suspect and killed their target as per operation guidelines.
What will be the outcome of this peaceful protest? How comfortable BHP BIlliton will be – if somehow it can be made to look like a violent, anti patriotic gathering?
Of course, BHP would love to blame the dwindling prospects for Olympic Dam going ahead – not on their own gargantuan fantasy about the world’s biggest man-made hole, but on these anti nuclear protestors.
Marius Kloppers, BHP BIlliton, even their disgraceful lackey, South Australian government know that the real reason for the gloomy forecast for big new Olympic Dam mine is that it’s not going to be a profitable investment. – Christina Macpherson
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?
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