PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE www.phaa.net.au

20 June 2014

Calls for an Independent Commission following Muckaty waste dump decision

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) today welcomed the withdrawal of the nomination of Muckaty Station in the (NT) as a proposed site for a national radioactive waste repository. In the wake of this decision, PHAA has renewed calls for an Independent Commission into Australia’s nuclear waste and nuclear industry.

PHAA Ecology and Environment Special Interest Group spokesperson Clive Rosewarne said “This is a great win for the Aboriginal people of Muckaty who have opposed this nomination from the outset. It is also a win for common sense and decency.”

The Muckaty site, which was nominated by the (NLC), has been opposed by four of five traditional clans of the area who waged a long political campaign and court battle to have the nomination overturned.

“For eight years this proposal has been threatening these people and their land, causing great emotional distress and community tension. It’s now time for the healing to be allowed to occur,” said Mr Rosewarne.

He added, “This of course requires that the NLC doesn’t proceed with any other nominations from this station. This will be a test of their claim that they withdrew in respect of community feelings and to avoid any further distress.”

Muckaty Station was one of a number of sites in the NT originally chosen by the Howard Government and proceeded with under the Rudd Government.

PHAA has actively supported communities in challenging these proposals and has voiced concerns over the misuse of information regarding nuclear medical waste and the need for a centralised repository.

Dr Michael Fonda, spokesperson for PHAA’s NT Branch said “The Muckaty site was in an earthquake and flood prone area and its design did not meet world’s best practice standards.”

He added, “PHAA has been a strong voice among many calling for an Independent Commission into Australia’s nuclear waste and nuclear industry. This Commission should take place before any more decisions are made about a centralised repository.”

For further information/comment: Clive Rosewarne, PHAA Ecology and Environment Special Interest Group spokesperson 0487 282 303