Forwarded from Christine Howes:
JABILUKA ACTION GROUP (Qld)
Ph: (07) 3846 0246 Fax: (07) 3846 0246
MEDIA RELEASE
TUESDAY 13 JULY 1999
WORLD HERITAGE 18 MONTH SUSPENSION
WILL PROVE KAKADU IN DANGER
After yesterday's Extraordinary Session of the World Heritage Committee, it
was found that the Jabiluka uranium mine will pose serious threats to the
living cultural values of Kakadu National Park.
This decision has seen the mine placed on hold for 18 months to investigate
the implementation of a number of requirements, including a Cultural
Heritage Management Plan. This management plan was supposed to be a
pre-requisite for construction commencing at the site.
Progress of these measures, also including full cultural mapping of
important Aboriginal sites, will be under close scrutiny by the World
Heritage Committee over the next 18 months. They have stated that they
will remain vigilant in monitoring the Australian Government's previously
dubious efforts to minimise the effects of the mine on Indigenous people
in the area, and on the surrounding environment.
Executive Officer of Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation Jacqui Katona said
today, "The Mirrar people now have a transparent process which we believe
will lead to Jabiluka being discontinued."
Jabiluka Action Group spokesperson Rebecca Duffy says, "Regardless of the
World Heritage decision, Kakadu is still 'in danger'. Already the mine
tunnel has desecrated an Aboriginal sacred site complex."
"It is extremely disappointing that the decision last night became so
politicised, that the merits of the case were overshadowed by the
Australian Government's diplomatic pressure. The credibility of the whole
World Heritage regime has been undermined, and the Australian public can
now clearly recognise just how underhanded our government has been in this
matter."
"The government may see this as a win for the Jabiluka uranium mine,
however there can be no victory for Kakadu National Park and the Mirrar
until the mine is stopped. We will continue to fight with the Traditional
Owners because we have no doubt that Jabiluka should not go ahead. It will
be proved in the next 18 months that the mine is not viable ecologically,
culturally or economically."
In response to the decision, the Jabiluka Action Group has organised a
Candlelight Vigil to acknowledge the struggle of the Mirrar to exercise
their rights of self determination:
WHAT: CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
* SPEAKERS INCLUDE ABORIGINAL
POET MAUREEN WATSON
* MUSICAL PERFORMANCES FROM
JEVAN COLE AND REBECCA WRIGHT
WHEN: FRIDAY 16 JULY
5.30 - 7.30 PM
WHERE: KING GEORGE SQUARE
Bring candles, warm clothes and blankets
Hot Drinks and Food available
For more information contact:
Rebecca Duffy on 3846 0246 or 3846 7609
STOP JABILUKA URANIUM MINE - STOP JABILUKA URANIUM MINE - STOP JABILUKA
URANIUM MINE
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