Anti-Nuclear Campaign
In February 2006 FoEB re-invigorated it’s anti-nuclear campaign in the face of a new global push by the nuclear industry, this time in the guise of a solution to climate change. Consequent to their PR campaign to paint nuclear technology as the lesser of two evils, we have also seen an increased interest in Australia’s uranium, Australia as a waste dump, and increased military activity developing different types of nuclear weapons. Alongside this new nuclear push, other so-called ‘peaceful’ uses of nuclear technology, particularily food irradiation, are being developed in Australia.
Overview of Nuclear Issues for Queensland: Queensland has uranium, nuclear waste dumps, a nuclear food irradiation plant and has become a destination for US war games using nuclear technology.
– Uranium in Queensland: In March 2006 PM John Howard made a deal to sell Australia’s uranium to China which has catalysed the nation. Despite 70% of Australian’s being opposed to uranium mining, Both parties are looking at opening up new mines, including in Queensland.
– War Games and Nuclear Weapons: In 2005 Shoalwater Bay, near Rockhampton, became one of a number of venues for the first of regular joint US-Australian military games under the name Talisman-Sabre. Nuclear vessels, possibly carrying nuclear weapons, including the UN banned depleted uranium, entered Australian waters and continue to visit our ports regularly. FoEB and many will continue to oppose war games in our region.
– Food Irradiation: In 2005 Queensland’s first nuclear food irradiation plant began operation in Narangba, north of Brisbane. It has begun irradiating Queensland Mangoes for export.
What YOU can do
The majority of Australians oppose uranium mines and wars using depleted uranium weapons. There is something you can do about it! Other information provided on FoE Brisbane archived history site states ‘Anti-Nuclear, primarily concerned with opposition to nuclear energy in general in Australia. Starting from the Jabiluka Campaign to the Food-irradiation Campaign: particular focus is on community engagement with the issues of international trade in irradiated food and local labelling laws and stronger regulations. The campaign works to maintain Queensland’s nuclear power station free status and limit expansion to uranium mining (1998- current)’