Time to end the silence on Australia’s nuclear reactor and its radioactive wastes
A public inquiry into Australia’s radioactive waste management options would be the long overdue circuit breaker to help restore some sound science, procedural integrity and community confidence
We need to talk about Lucas Heights DAVE SWEENEYABC 3 MAY 2012 If only politicians would face up to the problem of nuclear waste, we might go some way towards solving it. ABC News Online 1 MAY 2012 SUCCESSIVE FEDERAL governments have attempted to manage Australia’s radioactive waste by keeping the issue as low on the political radar and as far from the public eye as possible.
This approach has meant that instead of developing a credible process to identify the range of best management options they have been obsessed with a finding a vulnerable and politically powerless postcode to host the nation’s radioactive waste.
We now have the reality of radioactive waste from spent nuclear fuel from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisations nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in southern Sydney set to make the long trip back from European reprocessing plants in the coming years. Continue reading
Mayday! Kakadu uranium miner expanding by stealth
Australian Conservation Foundation 1 May 12 National and Territory environment groups have called on the federal government to stop Energy Resources of Australia from expanding the troubled Ranger uranium mine
in Kakadu under the guise of exploration.
ERA is scheduled to start work today on a mine decline (a one way tunnel) at its Ranger 3 Deeps (R3D) site as part of a move from open cut to underground mining. The company has federal exploration approval for R3D, not approval for mining.
“The company only has exploration approval, yet it is digging a hole big enough to literally drive a truck into,” said Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear campaigner Dave Sweeney.
“The federal government should not allow ERA to expand by stealth, constructing massive mining infrastructure under the guise of exploration activity. There needs to be an urgent and dedicated federal review of the impacts and implications of this plan.”
Ranger has been the scene of more than 150 documented incidents and breaches. Production at the mine remains plagued by water management issues. Continue reading
Solar energy is still a good financial move for New South Wales homes and small business
Go solar to cut costs http://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/go-solar-to-cut-costs/2539388.aspx MICHAEL BUSHELL 30 Apr, 2012 Forbes residents and business owners looking to cut their electricity costs should still consider solar power, according to Forbes electrical business, Shead and Nicholson.
Shead and Nicholson says while the NSW Government ended the generous Solar Bonus Scheme last year, home and business owners can still take advantage of rebates to offset the cost of solar power installation. Continue reading
Australia’s “intervention” laws promote the grab of Aboriginal land for mining
Racism the issue, not youth Green Left , April 29, 2012 By Robert Leech & Jacob Ball “….. The government threatens to withhold essential services, housing and health care if Aboriginal communities don’t agree to 40-year leases of their land. The uncertainty and community unrest this causes is set to continue as the government plans to entrench intervention laws for another 10 years.
But billionaire mine owners profit from Aboriginal hardship as more and more new mining exploration and extraction projects are launched across the country on top of existing contracts and projects……
Resistance believes self-determination and a treaty signed by the government to put an end to the theft of resources on Aboriginal land are essential first steps to end the systemic racial discrimination Aboriginal people suffer. To fight racism, we need unity. Full justice must be fought for together with all Australians. http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50856
Once unthinkable – but soon now, all Japan’s nuclear reactors turned off
All reactors off by spring — a once unthinkable scenario, Japan Times, By MIZUHO AOKI As the crisis continues at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant and thousands of people remain evacuated due to radiation fears, public sentiment has turned against allowing reactors idled for regular checks at power stations nationwide to be restarted.
To ease public safety concerns, the government ordered stress tests be carried out on all reactors. ….the overall sentiment against atomic power is gaining traction. The clock is ticking on the 54 reactors nationwide http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20110719i1.html
The growing danger of nuclear weapons in Asia
Asia is steadily becoming increasingly militarised
arms spending by Asian nations will this year for the first time overtake that of European countries. China, Japan, India, South Korea and Australia accounted for more than 80 per cent of total Asian defence spending
While there is recognition of the devastating consequences of any use of nuclear weapons, [in The Lowy report recommendations] there does not appear to be enunciation of the logical goal of getting rid of the weapons.
Asia: Dangers Of Extended Nuclear Deterrence – Analysis, Eurasia Review, By Neena Bhandari, April 28, 2012 With India and Pakistan testing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles this April, close on the heels of North Korea’s unsuccessful test launch of a long-range rocket, a new report by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute for International Policy says it is Asian strategic mistrust that is holding back nuclear disarmament.
According to Lowy’s international security programme director Rory Medcalf, who is also principal editor of the report titled Disarming Doubt: The Future of Extended Nuclear Deterrence in East Asia, the nuclear disarmament push in Asia had stalled, owing to the region’s tangle of strategic mistrust. Continue reading
Regional Australia getting ready for solar energy
“Regional Australia is where it’s all going to happen [first].”
Clean energy: it’s not rocket science http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/clean-energy-its-not-rocket-science/2537793.aspx BY TRACEY PRISK, 30 Apr, 2012 SOLAR energy was the hot topic at the 100 per cent Clean Energy Roadshow in Orange last week. Continue reading
Wind power the key to Australia’s renewable energy development
Wind Power To Propel Local Renewable Energy Market http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=16490 April 26, 2012 Wind power is expected to play a major role in Australian renewable electricity generation in the future, making it a key component of the renewable energy market.
At present around two per cent of electricity generated in Australia comes from wind power. However according to Australian Energy Projections to 2034 – 25, a recent report released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE), this figure is expected to rise to at least 14 per cent in the coming years.
“There’s a variety of policies and initiatives that have been put in place by the government and we would expect based on our projections that wind will have a substantial impact in driving the expansion of renewable energy in Australia.
We will also see wind becoming a much more important resource in terms of electricity generation than it is today,” said Quentin Grafton, Executive Director and Chief Economist, BREE. Quentin Grafton is scheduled to present alongside other leading industry professionals at Energy IQ’s third annual Wind Farms conference , taking place in Melbourne on 29th & 30th May 2012.
The event will address major issues facing wind farm developers highlighting strategies on how to:
- Secure financial backing and facilitate permit agreements to ensure project success
- Choose the best project delivery model to fast track construction and ensure bankability
- Ensure local community buy-in to your Wind Farm project
“Wind Farms 2012 is a great opportunity to see what the state of the art is in terms of wind power planning and operations. I enjoyed the event last year – there was a good crowd and quite a good representation of key people working in the sector,” said Alberto Troccoli, Head, Weather & Energy Research, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Division.
Australians have not yet realised the country’s future for solar energy
stable, consistent policy is very important – and that’s the case for any industry – and by looking at an economically justified, low-cost feed-in tariff system is the way the government can get stability because it’s providing benefit to the community. It’s not costing anyone anything, it’s sustainable. That’s the kind of policy you can get with solar power
Sunburnt country ‘not convinced’ by solar, SMH, Adam Cooper April 23, 2012 THE head of one of Australia’s most successful solar start-ups admits negative perceptions are preventing the renewable energy industry fulfilling its potential, and that more consistency from governments would encourage people to embrace greener energy.
Energy Matters chief executive Jeremy Rich believes there is no reason Australia cannot one day attain a near-100 per cent commitment to solar energy, domestically and commercially, thanks to the sunny
climate and industry expertise…. ”They’ve got the ability to do so. We’ve got low costs, it’s a sunny continent and it’s a great place for solar, really.” Continue reading
Australia-Japan Foundation helps Fukushima children
Australian playground for Fukushima children, Children from the evacuation area near the Fukushima nuclear plant are checked for radiation. ABC Radio, 20 Apr 2012 An Australian-funded playground has been officially opened at a new kindergarten in Japan’s disaster-ravaged Fukushima prefecture. The kindergarten is attended by children who survived last March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear disaster.
The playground is funded by the Australia-Japan Foundation. Australia’s ambassador to Japan, Bruce Miller, who officially opened the playground, told Radio Australia it was an honour to help the children. “With this new temporary kindergarten being put up we were able to, for the children that had been evacuated, give them the playground and
equipment to go with that,” he said…. http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201204/3482476.htm?deskto
Replace Port Augusta’s old brown coal plants with baseload solar thermal power
Solar power would boost Port Augusta: BZE http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8454161 Apr 19 2012 Port Augusta’s ageing brown coal power stations should be replaced with base-load solar thermal power to improve the town’s health and create jobs, a think tank says. Renewable energy researchers, Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), has released its Repowering Port Augusta report which it says presents compelling economic, health and environmental case for replacing the old power plants in the South Australian town. Continue reading
Australia’s carbon emissions
Australia Emitted 546 Million Tonnes More C02 in 2011 , International Business Times, By Vittorio Hernandez | April 18, 2012 Australia‘s carbon dioxide emissions went up in 2011 due to more vehicle use and gases that leaked from coalmines. It resulted in the release of 546 million tonnes of more C02 from those two sources. The data came from Australia‘s report of the National Greenhouse Accounts to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change….. http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/329559/20120418/australia-emitted-546-million-tonnes-more-c02.htm
Olympic Dam uranium mine expansion challenge in South Australia’s Supreme Court
(South Australian State) SUPREME COURT CHALLENGE TO THE STATE APPROVAL OF THE OLYMPIC DAM EXPANSION
The first directions hearing is listed for tomorrow April 20, at 9.15am before Justice Gray in the Supreme Court.
(Federal) LEGAL CHALLENGE OF FEDERAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS APPROVAL OF THE OLYMPIC DAM EXPANSION – RULING THIS FRIDAY
Justice Besanko will hand down his ruling this Friday 20th April 2.15pm.
Australian Greens leader connecting with farming communities on sustainable energy
Greens leader kicks off regional tour, Kallee Buchanan ABC News April 18, 2012 The new Greens Leader says she is starting her regional tour in the central west because it offers a diverse range of views on renewable energy and agricultural issues. Christine Milne is touring rural areas to try and improve the party’s relationship with farmers.
Her first stop will be Orange, where she will meet orchardists, graziers and environmental groups……. Ms Milne says she will use her visit to Orange to encourage farmers to support renewable energy projects. Senator Milne says opposition to renewables like wind power often comes from regional communities putting up with the impacts, without getting the benefits.
“I’m keen to talk to local government about pre-planning in terms of renewable energy facilities and making sure that farmers can actually get a financial benefit and if you actually involve the community in achieving a financial benefit you find that there is a lot more openness of course because people weigh up what level of income they can get.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-18/milne-kicks-off-regional-tour/3956328
Western Australia’s large solar photovoltaic project to be completed soom
Australia’s Largest Solar PV Project Continues Apace APRIL 17, 2012 BY JOSHUA S HILL, Clean Technica Construction of Australia’s largest solar photovoltaic power project has reached a major milestone with the initiation of panel installation at the Greenough River Solar Farm in Western Australia.
“The demonstration of this proven technology in WA on a commercial scale should encourage the development of larger projects and reduce renewable energy costs in the medium to long term,” said Western Australian Energy Minister, Peter Collier, who joined with landholders, members of the Geraldton community and local contractors and First Solar, Inc., Verve Energy, and GE Energy Financial Services to mark the commencement of panel installation.
The 10-megawatt solar farm is located 50 kilometres south of Geraldton, with construction starting four months ago. Since then, above-ground electrical work has been completed and structural supports have been installed. Next on the list of things to do is to install approximately 150,000 First Solar photovoltaic modules, with completion of the project expected sometime in the middle of this year……. http://cleantechnica.com/2012/04/17/australias-largest-solar-pv-project-continues-apace/
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 