Friends of the Earth are Monitoring South Australia’s lobby for nuclear waste importing

SA Royal Commission into Nuclear Expansion http://www.foe.org.au/royal-commission

This webpage will track the progress of the South Australian Royal Commission, established by the South Australian government in February 2015 to examine options to expand the state’s involvement in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Quick links:

• The Commission’s website is: http://nuclearrc.sa.gov.au/
• Summary of ‘Tentative Findings’ of SA Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission (PDF)
• March 2016: Submission by the Conservation Council of SA, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Friends of the Earth, Australia responding to the Royal Commission’s Tentative Findings report (PDF)
• August 2015: Main submission to the Royal Commission by the Conservation Council of SA, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Friends of the Earth, Australia (PDF)
• Australia Institute, March 2016, ‘Digging for Answers’, report on economics of plan to import thousands of tonnes of spent fuel / high-level nuclear waste (PDF)
• Australia Institute, February 2016, ‘The Impossible Dream’, report on the silly plan, rejected by the Royal Commission, for South Australia to build Generation IV reactors (PDF)
• December 2015: A Critique of the South Australian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, written by Dr Jim Green and Dr Philip White on behalf of the Conservation Council of SA, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Friends of the Earth, Australia. To download the report click here (PDF) or to read online click here.

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Australian country communities fight back against nuclear waste dumping. Support them !

Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation, 9 Mar 16 Six communities in regional and remote areas around the country are on a government shortlist as possible sites to house Australia’s radioactive waste.

Toni Scott from Kimba in South Australia visited Parliament House last week with farmers, residents and Traditional Owners from every community on the list. “I’m the direct neighbour of a site and I’m here to say to Minister Frydenberg this process is wrong. He needs to stop and start again and get it right. He’s got time to do that.”

Josh Frydenberg, the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia, has promised not to impose radioactive waste on a site without broad community support. It is now time to honour this promise.

Public comment on the proposed six sites ends this Friday. Will you make a public comment in the next 48 hours and take a stand with Toni?

Urge Minister Frydenberg to respect community concerns, stop this process and call a national inquiry into long-term, responsible management of Australia’s radioactive waste.

I was at Parliament with Toni and the other representatives from the six proposed sites and they’re concerned, suspicious and opposed.

Radioactive waste is caused by splitting atoms. We cannot let it split communities.

Peter Woolford, a grain grower from Kimba, said, “The mental health issues that the process has created, the stress and the anger and the deep division in our community is real. We are here as one to make sure our concerns are heard. The process is wrong and it’s damaging our communities.”

Regina McKenzie, a Traditional Owner from the Flinders Ranges, worries that the Indigenous cultural work done in her community over many years will be lost. “There was no consultation whatsoever. We all found out when it was released on the news and we feel it’s an attack on our belief system.”

Peter Kenny, a Traditional Owner from Walkabout Bore, so wanted to represent his community he travelled out of the Northern Territory and in a large plane for the first time.

Annette Clement from Oman Ama in southern Queensland stated, “We feel it’s been unfairly foisted upon us. We were told it wouldn’t come to a community if we said no. We say no but they continue to coerce us with inferred incentives – money – and guilt.”

Most of Australia’s radioactive waste is currently securely stored in a facility at Lucas Heights in NSW and there is no reason to rush to move it anywhere else. We have the time to finally develop a credible and considered approach to radioactive waste management.

For two decades successive governments have tried to impose radioactive waste on unwilling remote communities. The most recent attempt, at Muckaty in the Northern Territory, was shelved after sustained Aboriginal and community opposition. The current approach must avoid replicating the mistakes of the past.

ACF wants to see responsible radioactive waste management, not more pressure on communities.

How we handle radioactive waste is an issue that lasts longer than this generation. It’s not contained to any single post code. We don’t need to rush, but we do need to get it right.

Make a quick comment by Friday 11 March to support a responsible and lasting approach to radioactive waste management.

Anti nuclear protest Sat Oct 24 at South Australian Labor Party’s State Conference

Members of South Australia’s anti-nuclear coalition will gather outside the South Australian Labor Party’s State Conference at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre tomorrow morning Sat October 24 at 8am, calling on the SA Labor Party to keep legislation in place banning nuclear waste dumps in South Australia, and to keep the state on its path to becoming a global leader in renewable energy.

The State Government’s formation of a Royal Commission into the expansion of the nuclear industry in SA has led to concerns that a national or international nuclear waste dump is back on the cards for SA, a little over a decade after the last proposal for a waste dump near Woomera was defeated.  This followed an extended campaign opposing the project, spearheaded by senior Aboriginal women – the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta.

In 2000, in response to growing public opposition to the proposal, the then Liberal Government passed legislation banning the disposal of certain types of nuclear waste in the state.  This legislation was extended by the incoming Labor Government in 2003 to include all nuclear waste. The stated objective of the legislation is “to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of South Australia and to protect the environment in which they live…”

“We are calling on the Labor Party to honour this commitment to protecting the health, safety and environment of South Australia,” said Nectaria Calan of the anti-nuclear coalition and Friends of the Earth Adelaide.  ”Nuclear waste is not a business opportunity, it’s an intractable problem.”

“SA Labour was known as the party who fights nuclear waste dumps, not the one that builds them.”

“Expansion of the nuclear industry into nuclear energy would also have an impact on the fast growing renewables sector in the state,” said Ms Calan.  “SA is already 40% renewable, and nuclear power is a poor partner because it does not have the flexibility needed to operate alongside renewable energy.  Nuclear power is also highly subsidised, and is therefore likely to absorb subsidies that could be going to the renewables sector. This is one opportunity cost of nuclear energy.”

 

 

Some Submissions to #NuclearCommissionSAust due by 24th July. JUST DO IT!

If you’ve been thinking of making a submission, I hope that you have not been intimidated by the Royal Commissions Issues Papers – by either their  ambiguous and confusing content, or by their complicated process for submitting.   These submission procedures are set up to be easy  for AREVA, EDF, Toshiba, Lavalin SNC, Terrestrial Energy, Bill gates’ Terra Power – or any other international  nuclear company.

And – hard for the ordinary person.

However,

• you can send in a submission on paper, if the Internet process is not convenient for you.
• You don’t have to make comments on every question on the Issues Paper – just ones that you are interested in.
• You can add your own ideas, outside of their set questions,  though the Commission wants them to be at the end, in an Appendix.

The two submissions for July 24 are the most important ones – especially Issue Paper 4 (MANAGEMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE). But also Issue Paper 1. (EXPLORATION, EXTRACTION AND MILLING)

Please go to these posts on Antinuclear website, to see some points For Issues Paper 1  and For Issues Paper 4. 

Your submission doesn’t have to be long.  They want you to download and use a Cover Sheet

They want you to have your signature witnessed, and signed by a JP or a Commissioner for Affidavits. A member of the police force will do. In some States, pharmacists, teachers, and others will qualify. This is a hassle, but not that hard to do.

If you don’t want the hassle of scanning it all into the computer – to send via the internet, to submissions@nuclearrc.sa.gov.au, you can post it to Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission GPO Box 11043 Adelaide SA 5001.  You can even phone them, and arrange a verbal submission  o8 8207 1480

More information at the Commission’s website

Campaign Against Nuclear Expansion launched in South Australia

The SA Government has launched a Royal Commission into the Nuclear Fuel Cycle in the hope of garnering support for an expansion of the nuclear industry. The terms of reference and the makeup of the commission and its experts are clearly biassed towards expanding the industry.
We believe this is an attempt to soften up the public for the creation of a nuclear waste dump for high-level waste from overseas.

FoE Adelaide are proud to announce the launch of the Campaign Against Nuclear Expansion

We believe that renewable energy is the best alternative to fossil fuels and SA is not the place for a nuclear waste dump, an enrichment facility or expansion of uranium mining.  More at our website adelaide.foe.org.au

Our local campaigner will track the Royal Commission activities, plan our campaign, arrange public meetings, disseminate information, build our membership and coordinate volunteers.

The battle in South Australia is highly relevant to all Australians as it has been suggested that SA host a dump site for the world’s high level nuclear waste.

If you would like to give a one-off or ongoing donation you can use  the online form at
https://www.givenow.com.au/foeadelaide
Donations are tax deductible.

NOW is the time to act – on Submissions to the South Australian Nuclear Fuel Chain Commission

Submissions for the Royal Commission into the Nuclear Fuel Cycle are closing soon.

This Commission could change our State forever.

Make sure you have a say in it.  The Conservation SA team 26 June 15 

This is too big an issue not to have your voice heard. Currently, our State government is weighing up a future that could see nuclear power, uranium enrichment and nuclear waste dumping here in South Australia. The window for the public to make comment on these issues closes in a month.

We encourage you to make a submission and draw on our resources to assist you.

In May nuclear expert Dr Jim Green produced some information resources about each of the issues the Royal Commission into the Nuclear Fuel Cycle is investigating. Please see a summary and full report here.

Only last week renewables expert Dr Mark Diesendorf from the University of NSW finished an exciting report showing that South Australia could be run on 100% renewable energy is just 15 years. You can view and download the summary version and Dr Mark Diesendorf’s full report online here.

The issue papers generated by the Royal Commission are available here and submissions are due:

• Issues Paper 1 (Extraction) and/or Issues Paper 4 (Storage and Disposal of Waste) is 24 July, 2015
• Issues Paper 2 (Further Processing) and/or Issues Paper 3 (Electricity Generation) is 3 August, 2015.

If you wish to provide a consolidated written submission addressing all Issues Papers you have untilMonday August 3, 2015.

If you wish to make an oral submission call the Royal Commission on 08 8207 1480 to make arrangements.

It’s critical that your voice is heard. This commission could change our State for generations to come.

Now is the time to act.

Australian anti nuclear campaigners in Canada

A delegation of Australian nuclear free campaigners has travelled to Canada to present at the World Uranium Symposium being held in Quebec City, April 14-16. The group includes representatives from Aboriginal communities impacted by nuclear projects and national environment groups.

Canadian company Cameco is behind plans for two controversial uranium mines in Western Australia – Kintyre in the Pilbara and Yeelirrie in the Northern Goldfields, which will be at the forefront of issues raised by the Australian delegation alongside the emerging issues with the South Australian Royal Commission into the nuclear industry.

The Symposium will examine the human and environmental impacts of the industry, with the Australian delegation presenting sessions on the nuclear fuel chain legacy in Australia, Indigenous Rights and the nuclear fuel chain and the intergenerational health impacts of nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

The Symposium will be followed by the 5th International Uranium Film Festival, which will feature the Australian film “Protecting Manuwangku”, documenting the successful struggle of Warlmanpa Traditional Owners to stop a national radioactive dump at Muckaty in the Northern Territory.

Follow the tour via the ANFA website and via twitter on #uranium2015.

The Australian delegation includes:
•    Barb Shaw, Australian Nuclear Free Alliance co-chair (Alice Springs)
“Nationally we meet once a year with common issues on common ground, we’re now taking that internationally where people are fighting and struggling with the same things we’re facing back at home. My expectations for the next few days is networking and sharing solutions”

•    Peter Watts, Australian Nuclear Free Alliance co-chair (Arabunna Nation)
“What we’re digging up at home has consequences for every corner of the globe. I’m devastated that the uranium dug up from our country has such far reaching consequences globally, not just locally”

•    Debbie Carmody, Tjuma Pulka Radio Station Kalgoorlie (Anangu/Spinifex)
“People don’t always connect the mining with the end result, for example, what has happened at Fukushima”

•    Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation
“People from all around the world are in Canada sharing stories about the dangers and the environmental impacts of all aspects of the nuclear trade. From the land of the maple leaf to the land of the gum leaf, there is no place for the nuclear trade. It is not sustainable and it is not welcome.”
•    Gem Romuld, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons
•    Marcus Atkinson, Footprints for Peace, Anti-nuclear Alliance of Western Australia

————-
Contact the delegation
Gem Romuld: (+1) 865 919 4562 gemromuld@gmail.comAustralian Contacts:
Sue Coleman-Haseldine – ANFA : 0458 544 593
Natalie Wasley- Beyond Nuclear Initiative: 0429 900 774
Mia Pepper -Conservation Council WA: 0415 380 808

Easy way to do your submission for South Australia’s Nuclear Royal Commission (due by 13 March)

Go to this website of the Conservation Council of South Australia  https://conservationsa.good.do/renewable-not-radioactive/make-your-submission-now/

There you will find easy guidance – and can make your submission in a few minutes – add in your own thoughts

Renewable Not Radioactive SA – Submissions Now Open

The Draft Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into South Australia’s nuclear industry are out.

You can submit your comments until Friday March 13, 2015. Feel free to use our points and submission form below.

Remember, the future should be renewable not radioactive!

South Australia: Renewable Not Radioactive – put in YOUR submission

http://conservationsa.good.do/renewable-not-radioactive/submission/  – Go to this website for an easy way to make your submission

South Australia: Renewable Not Radioactive

A Royal Commission is being established to consider South Australia’s role into nuclear energy.

Premier Jay Weatherill has indicated that the Royal Commission will explore uranium enrichment, nuclear power generation and nuclear waste.

You can help make sure that all aspects of this toxic industry and its history are explored by submitting your ideas about what the Terms of Reference should be. We only have until February 16, 2015 to do it.

Here in South Australia we are already world leaders in renewable energy, such as wind and solar – we believe South Australia’s future should be renewable not radioactive.

Please send a message to the Attorney-Generals Department below.

Make your submission to the Attorney-Generals Department on the Terms of Reference

Feel free to incorporate and use our dot points below, but please make sure to include your own message, subject line and name at the bottom for the email to send. 

To the Attorney-General Department,

I urge you to consider the following Terms of Reference to be included for the Royal Commission into nuclear energy. The Royal Commission will be undermined if it doesn’t include the following Terms of Reference.

· The environmental impacts of uranium mining in South Australia.

· Nuclear waste; the Royal Commission must look widely at nuclear waste management in South Australia, including uranium tailings. The Commission should examine proposals to host international nuclear waste and status of the waste industry globally.

· Legacy sites; South Australia’s contaminated nuclear sites including Maralinga, the Port Pirie Uranium Treatment Complex, and Radium Hill. There are unresolved concerns over the status of these sites (in relation to public health and environmental impacts) and the Royal Commission provides an opportunity to finally resolve these issues.

· The opportunity costs of a further embrace of the nuclear cycle, including the impact on our clean and green food and wine reputation, and the tourism and international student markets, particularly if South Australia were to host an international repository for high-level nuclear waste.

· Insurance, financial risk, public liabilities and subsidies; a comprehensive examination of the potential liability of the SA Government in the case of an incident or accident.

· Exploration of alternative energy sources to address the challenge of climate change, including the potential for growth in renewables and other low carbon technologies

Yours sincerely,

Across Australia Aboriginal activists prepare for Invasion Day national convergence

Aboriginal activists plan national convergence for freedom, Green Left, January 17, 2015 By Alex Bainbridge & Seamus Doherty Aboriginal people and their supporters are converging in Canberra from all over Australia for the Invasion Day weekend. The weekend will feature a “sit-in” that is expected to release an historic Declaration of Independence reaffirming Aboriginal sovereignty in this country.

Plans for the convergence were made at the Freedom Summit held in Alice Springs in November. The summit reportedly involved 250 people who released a communique and appointed a delegation of twenty Aboriginal leaders from around the country to prepare the January mobilisation.

A program of activities has been organised including the “Last Day of Freedom” on January 25 and a national day of mourning for Invasion Day itself. The “First Day of Resistance” on January 27 will begin a the month long sit-in……….

Special focus is made on the decision to close Aboriginal communities in Western Australia and South Australia. The Communique describes the bulldozing of Oombulgurri in WA as “an act of aggression in an open genocidal process, on top of the continuing apartheid and land clearances through the Northern Territory Intervention.”

The communique also highlights the fact that sovereignty has never been ceded by Aboriginal people in this country and identifies “mass action in the streets” as the means to win justice………….

Activists around the country have been mobilising for the summit including preparation activities in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

The Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth has organised a series of fundraisers, including a quiz night and performance nights, to raise funds to send people on buses to Canberra.

The bus from Perth departs January 20. https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/58042