`Kakadu to Werribee, Australia toxic free!'

By Reuben Endean

MELBOURNE -- On June 5, World Environment Day, 2000 environmentalists rallied outside state parliament to demand that the Victorian and federal governments end their attacks on the environment.

The rally targeted Energy Resources Australia's planned uranium mine at Jabiluka, as well as it's involvement in woodchipping. Protesters also singled out CSR's plan to build a toxic dump in suburban Werribee.

Harry Van Moorst from Werribee Residents Against Toxic Dumps chaired the rally. A Wrunjeri speaker welcomed the rally onto Aboriginal land and spoke against the Howard government's racist 10-point plan for native title. She congratulated the Mirrar people for fighting against the Jabiluka mine.

Dave Sweeney from the Jabiluka Action Group spoke via a live link from the blockade at Jabiluka. A speaker from Werribee warned the state government that residents were prepared to blockade the dump site. A speaker from the Hazardous Materials Action Group talked about the community campaign to stop a toxic tip at Niddrie.

Leigh Hubbard, secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, pledged the union movement's support for the Werribee residents' fight.

Also present were activists from Cycle Against the Nuclear Cycle, who will begin a 4400-kilometre ride to the Jabiluka blockade on June 20.

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