Nuclear Issues

Friday, October 31

WA Greens Spokesperson for energy and climate change Robin Chapple MLC has expressed disappointment over comments made by the Premier yesterday about the future of renewable energy in Western Australia.

On 720 ABC talkback radio yesterday Premier Colin Barnett claimed Western Australia would be unlikely to ever go 100% renewable and that renewable energy was incompatible with heavy industry and WA’s rail system.

Mr Chapple said whilst he was not surprised by the Premier’s attitude, the dismissive nature of his comments was alarming.

“Western Australia is going backwards under this luddite government,” he said.

“Since when did politicians become so short-sighted? We are talking about a resource that is absolutely finite.

“Climate change is not a phase, or a minor issue that has been over-hyped by alarmists or an issue that will simply pass.

“We, quite simply, are not doing anywhere near enough to reverse the damage we have already done and put in places processes and infrastructure to ensure the future energy needs of Western Australia indefinitely.

“That our own Premier, who rambles so consistently about our future economic security, is failing to see the link between that and ultimately, once the infrastructure is established, an energy network that will pay for itself is simply unfathomable.”

Mr Chapple said Australia, particularly Western Australia, was in danger of being rapidly left behind by the rest of the world.

“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, how many more flashing neon signs do we need?” he said.

“The price of coal is falling worldwide and some of our biggest trading partners, especially China, are slashing imports as well, meanwhile we are seeing a surge in renewable uptake especially in developing nations and throughout Europe.

“I’m not talking about weak, decade-by-decade targets such as the one our federal government is planning to gut – it is crucial that we establish long-term targets that legislate for a significant swing towards renewable energy and away from fossil fuel dependence.

“The Premier’s claims that his government ‘has actually put a lot of money into renewable energy’ are baseless as are his claims that we, as a state, with all of our heavy industry, are not compatible with a totally renewable energy system.”

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.

October 7 2014

The West Australian government has attempted to sidestep proper environmental assessment for two new uranium mines at Wiluna by releasing the proposal as an extension of the existing Wiluna Uranium Project, according to Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC.

Mr Chapple said Toro’s existing conditional approval should be revoked as this extension, which spans a much larger area between Wiluna and Lake Maitland than the original proposal, more than warrants the necessity for a new environmental study to be undertaken.

“The environmental assessment that has been done so far is inadequate for the four mines they are now proposing,” he said.

“The area in question covers two lake systems, where Toro plans not only to mine, but to dump toxic uranium waste in the lake bed.

“Furthermore, Toro Energy has not properly consulted the Traditional Owners for the Lake Maitland area who have significant, and warranted, concerns about the proposed mine’s impact on their lands and culture.

“This proposal and Wiluna’s existing conditional approval should both be rejected on environmental grounds.”

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

17^th July 2014

Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC said he is concerned by the Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion’s call for West Australian miners to “take the lead” in the global uranium industry.

Mr Chapple said the Minister’s claims that nuclear energy was a “rational” and “fundamental” response to climate change were disturbing.

“It is unbelievably short-sighted - The Minister for mines and Petroleum wants Western Australia to become a radioactive state,” he said.

“Western Australia is strongly positioned to take full advantage of both solar and wind energy alternatives yet successive governments continue to side with mining companies without any consideration of the long-term consequences.

“Our government should be investing their time and money in renewable energy alternatives that won’t burden future generations with dangerous levels of radioactive waste.”

Mr Chapple said sharp falls in uranium prices contradict the Minister’s statement and add further weight to the Greens calls to halt uranium mining in this state.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

The Northern Land Council has today announced it will scrap the proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory.

This is a significant win for the Aboriginal elders and their communities who have fought hard against the Muckaty dump and the poisoning of their country.

Greens MP for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple would like to thank both the Traditional Owners, and Senator Scott Ludlam, for their perseverance with this issue over the last eight years.

More information and alternative solutions to nuclear waste disposal can be found on Senator Scott Ludlam’s website.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

Saturday, 7 June 2014

The State Government through the royalties for regions program has just announced funding for the Areva Resources Uranium company exploration program throughout the Canning Basin in the West Kimberley.

Not content in opening up the Canning Basin to the fracking industry, the Government now seeks to complete the destruction of the region by supporting uranium mining in the Derby- Broome region.

“This is a cynical payback, by Barnett and Redman, for the Kimberley for having rejected his James Price Point pipe dream” said Mr Chapple, Greens spokesperson for Mining.

Uranium prices are at a recent all-time low, so why are the Nationals and Barnett propping up this dying industry?

Minister Redman needs to explain why in this time of fiscal restraint why he is wasting limited taxpayers money on this forlorn industry?

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255