BRISBANE — In a mostly peaceful action on August 7, 200 people picketed the Narangba irradiation facility construction site. Protesters have maintained a protest camp against Steritech and its contracted company Statham Constructions outside the site since June 6.

The protest, part of a national day of action against food irradiation, began at 6am. At 6.30am, site manager Barry Glover appeared with a police escort and announced that work had been called off for the day. However, seemingly to irritate the protesters, police escorted Glover and a few workers onto the site soon after. They proceeded to stroll around the site sipping coffee for several hours. Although some protesters proposed blocking the “workers” from leaving, a democratic vote decided against it.

Prominent anti-nuclear activist Benny Zable urged everyone at the picket to stay on and continue to delay construction. His words were met with claps and cheers.

At 11.30am three police cars arrived and about eight police officers broke through the picket line. As police attempted to escort Statham Construction employees from the site, insults and some food were thrown, resulting in a scuffle. Things got nasty when Glover punched activist Greg Brown in the face.

After the employees had left, activists held a general meeting to discuss the picket, concluding that it had been an overall success and vowing to maintain the campaign.

On August 9, a Steritech representative approached the protest camp, and asked to negotiate with activists. The representative said that the protesters had caused the company “great problems” in the last three months. Activists have agreed to meet with Steritech, but do not intend to compromise.

Protesters are not Steritech's only “problem”. Also on August 9, the site's security guards left their posts claiming Steritech had failed to pay their wages in the past few weeks.

The electrical and plumbing divisions of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union have placed industrial bans on the proposed plant. The support of other unions, especially the Maritime Union of Australia, would help enormously. But so far the Queensland Council of Unions, which could facilitate this, has remained distant from the campaign.

Another picket against Statham Constructions and Steritech has been called for August 13, at the site. All people concerned about this potential hazard are urged to join the picket line.

Phone 0403 573 038 for more information, or email < stopfialliance@A HREF="mailto:yahoo.com.au"><yahoo.com.au>.

From Green Left Weekly, August 14, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

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