Desert dump is no answer to nuclear weapons problem

MEDIA RELEASE


July 2, 2007

Desert dump is no answer to nuclear weapons problem


The Arid Lands Environment Centre in Alice Springs says promoting Australia
as the world’s nuclear waste dump is not the answer to the problem of
nuclear weapons and terrorism.


The call follows reports in the Australian newspaper (2/7/07) that former US
ambassador Robert Gallucci is advocating Australia as a potential global
radioactive waste dump to address proliferation concerns.


“The best way to ensure nuclear materials do not end up in weapons is by
stopping the mining and exporting of uranium and getting serious about
nuclear disarmament,” said Natalie Wasley, the Beyond Nuclear Initiative
campaigner at ALEC.


“A desert dump cannot be touted as the answer to securing nuclear weapons
material when Australia is still exporting uranium to countries not
complying with their disarmament obligations under the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty”.


Ms Wasley says any plans for an international dump would be met with strong
resistance around the country. “The plan for a federal dump in the Territory
is strongly opposed by targeted communities, the NT Government, national
environment groups and many citizens”.


“The current waste dump plan is already failing due process in the search to
secure a site and there is little confidence that any international waste
dump would be based on community consultation or have any regard for
environmental, social and cultural concerns.


"Despite the rhetoric of Australia being the most geologically suitable
location for a dump one of the proposed sites , Muckaty station north of
Tennant Creek, is within a seismically active zone”.


“From the outset, the communities targeted for the Federal dump were
concerned that an NT dump would be expanded to host high level international
materials,” said Ms Wasley. “It is time for the government to come clean on
its full plans for radioactive waste.”


Opposition from Australian states to the federal radioactive dump means it
is highly unlikely they would welcome an international one. “Once again it
would be remote and indigenous communities in the Territory who are forced
to take the toxic waste – this time from around the world. The federal
government’s plan is the thin edge of a radioactive wedge and we will not
sit back and let this happen”.


Contact: Natalie Wasley 0429 900 774
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Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC)
John Cumming Plaza, 67 Todd Mall
PO box 2796,
Alice Springs, NT
Australia 0871
ph: (61) 08 8952 2011
mobile : 0429 900 774
email: natwasley@alec.org.au

Sustainable Seafood – Towards an Ocean Wise Australia!

Marine

Sustainable Seafood – Towards an Ocean Wise Australia!

Canadian chef Robert Clark

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Canadian chef Robert Clark

The Australian Conservation Foundation is developing a new and exciting sustainable living initiative called Ocean Wise Australia.

Based on the successful Canadian Ocean Wise program launched by Vancouver Aquarium, Ocean Wise Australia aims to increase the awareness of Australian seafood consumers regarding sustainable seafood.

Leading Canadian chef Robert Clark recently brought the sustainability message to Australia in March as guest of the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

As executive chef at Canada's leading seafood restaurant, C Restaurant in Vancouver, Robert Clark believes that he not only has to be responsible about the food choices he makes but that he can also inspire change in the industry. “As chefs, our job is not only about serving great tasting food, but encouraging our staff and our guests to learn how to get sustainably produced food to the table” said Clark.

Recent reports reveal the number of overfished Australian fish species has increased 8-fold over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need to better protect Australia’s oceans. “Unfortunately, overfished species like orange roughy and swordfish are still finding their way onto Australian dinner tables” said Chris Smyth, ACF’s Marine Campaign Coordinator.

International marine scientists predict that if current seafood practices continue, the world’s fisheries could collapse in less than 50 years. Couple this with the impacts from fisheries catching non targeted species (by-catch) and seabed trawling, water pollution, marine pests, habitat damage, ocean-based aquaculture and climate change – and a clear picture emerges that Australia’s ocean life is under increasing pressure.

However, Seafood that is sourced within the natural limits of the marine environment and with minimal damage to marine habitats can be called ‘sustainable seafood’. By working with restaurants and their diners, Ocean Wise will help maintain the variety and abundance of seafood in Australia and promote healthy oceans used in a sustainable way.

The Ocean Wise Australia program will provide the opportunity for the Australian restaurant industry to choose sustainable seafood menu items, while recognizing its ongoing commitment to excellence and progressive business practices.

The Ocean Wise Australia menu assessment program will also give restaurants the confidence to improve the sustainability of their menus, at a pace that suits the individual business, and will promote and reward their efforts in doing so.

“The decisions each of us make when we purchase seafood have a real impact on the health of our ocean life and fisheries. This is where the restaurant industry can play a vital leadership role and help reverse the trends” said Smyth.

Ocean Wise Australia is currently in the development stage as we are still seeking funding for this program. If you would like more information on how you could support this sustainable seafood initiative please contact Mark Thomas 03 9345 1148 or m.thomas@acfonline.org.au

Source: acfonline.org.au