Anti-uranium campaigning on NSW North Coast

By Nick Fredman

LISMORE -- Bolstered by the return of activists from the Jabiluka mine blockade, the campaign against the mine and all uranium mining has been stepped up here. Successful activities were organised around Hiroshima Day, and a new campaign group has been set up in Byron Bay.

On Hiroshima Day, August 6, campaigning stalls were held in Lismore and at Southern Cross University, and a “chocolate cake not yellow cake” film night and fundraiser was attended by 50 people.

The following day, activists occupied a branch of Westpac, to highlight the bank's role in financing Energy Resources Australia, the mining company at Jabiluka.

As part of the national “From Hiroshima to Jabiluka” day of action on August 8, 400 people rallied in Lismore. Participants heard representatives of the Bandjalang people, the Australian Women's Party, the Greens, the ALP and the Democratic Socialists condemn the Jabiluka mine and the nuclear industry.

A lively march was led by green-painted activists, who staged a “die-in” outside a Westpac branch.

Joining the Lismore-based Campaign for a Nuclear Free Future in the area is the newly formed Byron Jabiluka Action Group. The group was launched with an occupation of a Westpac branch on July 20, which involved 80 people and received a lot of media attention.

[For details of how to get involved in either group, see Meetings ... Parties ... Anything, pages 29-31.]

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