Media Releases

August 20, 2009

Community involvement needed on radioactive waste dump decision

Consult: 1. to seek counsel from; ask advice of 2. to refer to for information 3. to have regard for (a person’s interest, etc) in making plans 4. to consider or deliberate; take counsel; confer [Macquarie Dictionary]

Environmentalists have condemned federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson’s announcement that he will select a site for a federal radioactive waste dump without consultation or an open, transparent and credible process.

There is growing opposition from Traditional Owners and affected Aboriginal people that the federal government intends to push ahead with plans to impose a dump in the Muckaty Land Trust near Tennant Creek.

The Minister’s office today confirmed that the Mr Ferguson would ‘consult all affected parties but only once a decision has been made’.

“Telling people your plans is not consultation,” said Beyond Nuclear Initiative spokesperson Natalie Wasley.

“People have been active, assertive and consistent in trying to engage with this process for many years. The ALP committed to a new process that was inclusive and accountable, but the Ministers comments today effectively sideline community involvement”.

“Martin Ferguson is replicating the mistakes of the Howard government in his approach to radioactive waste management. He is looking for a short term political fix to a long term environmental problem and like his nuclear predecessors – former Ministers Minchin, McGauran, Nelson and Bishop – he will not succeed”.

“Responsible radioactive waste management is not based on secretive decision making and decide-announce-defend policies”.

Minister Ferguson is failing to honour a clear ALP election promise and failing the Northern Territory community.”

Further information and comment:

Natalie Wasley 0429 900 774

Dianne Stokes (Muckaty Traditional Owner) 0427 159 876

================================

2009

August 20-_Community involvement needed on radioactive waste dump decision

July 15-_Four years too long

July 15-_United stance against radioactive dump

July 12-Time to dump the NT dump

March 19-CRWMA repeal voted down