Fight to preserve Jabiluka
As expected, the federal government has given Energy Resources of Australia the go-ahead to mine uranium at Jabiluka in Kakadu. It is a short-sighted, stupid and potentially dangerous decision.
In making the official announcement on August 28, Senator Robert Hill said that there is "no environmental reason" why mining should not go ahead. He said Australia's largest national park would not be endangered. This is plain nonsense. Radioactive waste products from the existing Ranger uranium mine are already contaminating this World Heritage-listed park.
The area's traditional owners, the Mirrar people, are implacably opposed to the new mine — and have said so time and time again.
Uranium and nuclear energy produce waste cannot be safely or permanently disposed of. Australian uranium can also be used in the production of nuclear weapons.
In the US so-called "sacrifice areas" — which have to be kept isolated for many hundred thousands of years (an impossible task) — have been acknowledged.
If we are to force the government to back down, the widespread opposition to Jabiluka must continue to mobilise. Aboriginal, environment, trade union, student and other progressive organisations must step up the campaign against the mine. Kakadu must not be allowed to become one of Howard's "sacrifice areas".