Thousands travel to Roxby Downs in anti-uranium protest against Olympic Dam mine
Roxby Council Administrator Bill Boehm said many protests against the mine had occurred without disrupting the town in the past. “From past experience, it appears that most of the protest action revolves around the mine’s operation with minimal direct impact on the Roxby Downs township,” he said.
Protesters vow to shut down Olympic Dam news.com.au 7 July 12, HUNDREDS of police will be sent to Roxby Downs as thousands of protesters from around the country attempt to shut down the Olympic Dam uranium mine.
The Desert Liberation Front website has issued an open invitation to more than 10,000 people to attend the six-day protest, music and art festival to be held on the outskirts of the town from next Saturday.
It says it will take their protest to “Roxby Downs – gates of hell” to help “shut down the mine”. More than 1200 protesters have already indicated they will attend while 723 others are seeking transport. Continue reading
Listen to Tony Abbott avoiding questions about carbon tax, and about Julian Assange
Tony Abbott day on Hack http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hack/stories/s3540346.htm 06/07/2012 reporter: Sophie McNeill and Michael Atkin Since the price on carbon came into effect last weekend, Tony Abbott has been touring the country campaigning against the tax that he says will wipe out whole towns, close down industries and cause prices to go up and up and up so what’s his plan to tackle global warming?
An opportunity to hear Dr Helen Caldicott, speaking on nuclear power, in Adelaide
July 22. HELEN CALDICOTT ON URANIUM, THE NUCLEAR CYCLE, AND THE THREATS TO OUR ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH Sunday July 22, 2pm Lecture Theatre 102, Napier Building, University of Adelaideplants, and foreign nuclear waste in Australia.She will be discussing the environmental and health impacts of the nuclear cycle, and especially uranium mining. This is an important issue for South Australia, home of Olympic Dam, set to become the world’s largest uranium mine.
Numerous environmental and Indigenous groups have raised concerns about the broader impacts of Olympic Dam, especially the lack of proper storage for the mine’s radioactive tailings.
This event is organised by Left Unity SA, an activist and educational organisation that seeks to unite progressive groups and individuals around common struggles for social justice and environmental integrity. For further information: pas.forgione@yahoo.com
Despite Japan restarting 2 nuclear reactors, uranium market stays sluggish
Gap Grows Between Uranium Buyers and Sellers, 9 News 4 July 12, A slow week last week ended what was a slow month for uranium trading. Spot prices barely budged on the 15 transactions reported in June by industry consultant TradeTech, with sellers unwilling to drop their prices and buyers not willing to pay more.
With traders comprising the vast majority of both buyers and sellers in the bulk of the transactions reported over the past several months, TradeTech notes the spot uranium price remains stuck between the lack of committed buyers and what are fairly unmotivated sellers at current levels.
Last week’s news that Japan had officially green-lighted the restart of two reactors did see a bit of renewed optimism in the market, but what seems to be an increasingly stubborn spot uranium market remained sluggish, with the announcement yet to produce any sort of uplift in prices.
Muckaty nuclear dump shows Mabo still matters
Beyond Nuclear, ABC Unleashed, GEORGE NEWHOUSE , 4 July 12 The Mabo case is widely recognised as a turning point in Australian legal history, as it challenged the colonialist assumptions upon which our nation was founded and acknowledged the realities of Indigenous dispossession.
When, in 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised that the Indigenous population held a connection to the land predating European settlement, a door opened for Indigenous Australians to reclaim at least some of their rights to parts of our nation.
However, 20 years on, Aboriginal land rights remain as contested and as tenuous as ever. Of particular note is the Commonwealth Government’s plan to establish a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory at Muckaty, north of Tennant Creek.
Since the 1990s, the Commonwealth has led a long and troubled search for a remote place to store the country’s radioactive waste. The Howard Government tried to locate a site in South Australia but a spirited campaign by Aboriginal custodians, the wider community, and the state Labor Government ended that push.
Despite promising no mainland dump site ahead of the 2004 federal election, the re-elected Howard government announced three possible Northern Territory sites in July 2005. As part of that effort, the Coalition government then turned to the Aboriginal Land Councils to encourage them to identify other possible waste sites on Aboriginal Land. In 2007, the Commonwealth Government accepted a nomination by the Northern Land Council for a site to be assessed, 120km north of Tennant Creek on the Muckaty Land Trust.
That nomination has been the subject of continuing controversy. Many of the traditional owners of Muckaty argue that they were never consulted, and others say that they were not consulted in a meaningful way and never consented to the nomination. Most importantly, many traditional owners allege that they were never informed about the details of the proposal to dump nuclear waste on their land, the danger that this might present to them and their families, the potential impact of the proposal on their sacred sites, and the fact that the nature of the legislation and the material involved meant that they were effectively giving up their land in perpetuity (i.e. forever).
94% of Australians want big solar energy, survey finds.
Survey Finds 94% Of Australians Want Big Solar http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3280, by Energy Matters, 3 July 12, As plentiful as Australia’s solar resources may be and as much as Australians may want a clean energy future with solar power as the centerpiece, we’re still not anywhere close to tapping into even a small percentage of our sun-kissed potential.
After pulling funding from Solar Dawn, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman may want to take note of a recent poll showing 94% of respondents said they wanted to see big solar projects built in Australia.
The Big Solar Poll, conducted by dozens of community groups across Australia, found a further 95% wanted to see governments investing in big solar projects.
Coordinated by 100% Renewable, the survey also revealed people generally understood that solar was a “circuit breaker” for rising power bills and accepted that financial support of new clean energy based power generation stations is well worth the investment. Continue reading
Australia’s economy will continue to grow, with carbon price in place
Australia’s clean energy future, 4 Traders 1 July 12, “…….Today we take the next steps the country needs to make to keep our economy competitive, to protect our environment and to provide a cleaner Australia for future generations.
The scientific advice is that the planet is warming and it is imperative that we cut greenhouse gas emissions. The economic advice is that a carbon price is the cheapest and most efficient way to reduce carbon pollution.
A carbon price will create incentives for large emitters to reduce carbon pollution. It will start transforming our economy to clean energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal and natural gas…
.. The Government is also supporting jobs and competitiveness in industries with high emissions and strong international competition. The most emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industry activities are shielded from 94.5 per cent of the carbon price – meaning their effective carbon price is less than $1.30 a tonne.
This will preserve international competitiveness while maintaining incentives to invest in cleaner technologies. A carbon price is a responsible economic reform. Treasury modelling shows the economy will continue to grow with a carbon price in place – 1.6 million new jobs will be created to 2020 and new industries in clean technology and renewable energy will be created.
Today also marks the commencement of the Climate Change Authority and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The Climate Change Authority will make recommendations on pollution caps to apply when the carbon price moves to a flexible priced emissions trading scheme in 2015.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will provide grants and financial assistance for projects with a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to make them more cost competitive.
ARENA will administer $3.2 billion in existing Government support for research and development, demonstration and commercialisation of renewable energy technologies. http://www.4-traders.com/news/Department-of-Climate-Change-and-Energy-Efficiency-Australia-s-clean-energy-future–14394467/
Australian Renewable Energy Agency Board – $3.2 billion to develop renewable energy
Get energetic on wind, solar http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/07/02/342111_tasmania-news.html 1 July 12, IT’S time for Australians to start taking renewable energy such as solar and wind more seriously, says Hobart engineer Jane Sargison. Dr Sargison has been appointed to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Board which, from today, will oversee $3.2 billion in Federal Government funding for renewable energy research and development. Continue reading
Carbon tax can kickstart move to a profitable renewable energy economy
Once the purchase price of renewable energy generators is paid off (in a few years) for the rest of its life the plant provides essentially free energy!
Imagine the competitive advantage to Australian businesses in those few years when their energy costs are small compared to competitors relying on carbon-heavy energy.
A carbon tax provides the incentive for these business to reject the existing, inefficient energy supply, which is distorted by subsidies, has limited local control and pays profits to far-away shareholders.
Renewable energy a proven alternative, Central Western Daily BY ASHLEY BLAND 02 Jul, 2012 The carbon tax is not just about carbon; it’s also about challenging the level of consumerism that, combined with world population growth, is eroding the stability and resilience of our environment.
If it didn’t involve so much money for the biggest corporations on the planet I suspect we would have made much more
progress than we have. As individuals we tend not to like change. As organisations we strongly resist it.
More than 97 per cent of scientists and hence most nations accept that it would be wise to limit carbon emissions. The question is, how do we fairly distribute the wealth that our carbon-built economy creates? Continue reading
Time to support the carbon tax and expose Abbott’s disinformation about it
Australia needs the carbon tax, The Age Editorial, June 30, 2012 ‘AFTER all,” Scarlett O’Hara assures herself in the concluding scene of Gone with the Wind, ”tomorrow is another day”.
It is advice Australians should take to heart, having been long assailed with dire forecasts that tomorrow, July 1, will not in fact be just another day. Instead, some would have us believe that it will be the beginning of our impoverishment and the end of civilisation as we know it, all because of the arrival of a Great Big New Tax. These claims are nonsense, uttered by people who think that if they repeat them often enough and without evidence, their fellow citizens will believe them
to be true.
For the record, here are the relevant facts about the carbon tax, which begins tomorrow. Continue reading
Carbon tax – in reality a small effect on prices, much less than when GST introduced
Carbon tax won’t hurt much but we don’t want to know, WA Today, Ross Gittins, June 27, 2012 “……Since the day he won the leadership of the opposition on the strength of his willingness to switch from supporting to opposing putting a price on carbon, Tony Abbott has been predicting the carbon tax would wreak devastation on the economy, wrecking industries and destroying jobs……
But with the carbon tax taking effect from Sunday, the moment of truth approaches. Soon enough it will become clear that, for consumers and the vast bulk of businesses, the dreaded carbon tax will have an effect much smaller than the GST.
The retail prices of electricity and gas will rise about 9 per cent, but the increases in other prices will be very small. Continue reading
Nuclear energy uneconomic, declining, and a dangerous distraction from action on climate change
The nuclear argument is a dangerous distraction that could direct resources and technical capacity away from more sensible responses. Nuclear power is certainly not a fast enough response to climate change. Even the pro-nuclear Switkoswki committee concluded that it would take 10 to 15 years to build one nuclear reactor.
Nuclear energy is a dangerous distraction, The Drum, Professor Ian Lowe, 26 June 12, No rational person without a financial interest in the industry would consider nuclear power for Australia. The only logical basis for contemplating its possible use arises from a recognition that climate change is a serious threat to our future.
At the turn of the century, nuclear power was seen as a failed technology. Originally touted as cheap, clean and safe, it was widely recognised as expensive, dirty and dangerous. The peak of installed nuclear power happened more than 20 years ago. Since then, cancellations and deferments have outnumbered new constructions. Continue reading
Switch it off and pocket the carbon tax compensation.
30 simple ways to beat the carbon tax,TANYA HAABC 26 JUN 2012 Switch it off and pocket the carbon tax compensation. Catherine McAloon (ABC Local) The price on carbon begins on Sunday. While only the top carbon-emitting companies and organisations are affected by the $23 price tag on each tonne of carbon emitted, the cost will filter down to all of us through our electricity bills. At the same time electricity prices are set to increase due to increased infrastructure costs. Householders around Australia are bracing themselves for a double hit to the hip pocket. …… To help those least able to cope with the energy price increases from the carbon tax, the government will provide a compensation and assistance package. This means clever Australians who find a way to cut their energy bills can pocket the compensation.
Here’s our list of 30 easy ways to cut your energy bills and keep your compo cash for more enjoyable activities.
Appliances ….. Cooking…… Gadgets…. Lighting…. Keeping warm…. Hot water…. Staying cool…. Stuff…. http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2012/06/26/3532627.htm
Carbon Farming Initiative gives opportunities for farmers
Farmers warm to the carbon economy http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/content/2012/06/s3533308.htm
By Leone KnightTuesday, 26 June 2012 Carbon Farming Initiative workshops have been held across western NSW workshops to assist landholders understand the Initiative. Topics included the Carbon Farming Initiative basics, research results, environmental plantings, credit schemes, the impact on farmers and more. There were speakers from CO2, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australian Farm Institute, and the Central West CMA.
Chris Mitchell from CO2 say, “its an opportunity, ….. but farmers need to treat it like any other new crop or enterprise, it does take time, information and research”. Farmers, miners and accountants attended and while some say it is complex and hard to understand, they all agreed it is an opportunity.
Liberal MP confronted over his rash anti wind farm statements
Wind energy sector hits back at MP, Warrnambool Standard, PETER COLLINS, 25 Jun, 2012 THE wind energy sector has hit back at scathing criticism in Federal Parliament last week by an [MP Sydney-based Liberal Craig Kelly] who described electricity generation by wind turbines as ludicrously inefficient…
. The Clean Energy Council later issued an invitation to Mr Kelly to tour a wind farm and learn how it drives investment in
local communities. South-west Victoria is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions for wind farm investment. Continue reading
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/235274195556
20 May – Webinar – The dangerous world of AUKUS, US, military occupation and suppression of dissent
National Webinar, 20th May, 2026, 6.30pm AEST. Confronting laws restricting/suppressing protest speech and action
Speakers: Former Sen. Rex Patrick, Lawyer Nick Hanna ,Arthur Rorris ,Jorgen Doyle, Sen David Shoebbridge,
Facilitator Kelley Tranter.
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 