Anti-Jabiluka mine activists take action
The campaign to stop Energy Resources of Australia's construction of another uranium mine at Jabiluka is gathering momentum around the country.
In Brisbane, reports Sam Wainwright, 100 people gathered outside the Stock Exchange in an emergency protest action against the beginning of construction of the mine on June 17. The protest followed a World Environment Day forum on June 5 at which the ALP, the Greens, the Democrats and the Democratic Socialists presented their policies on uranium mining to 80 other participants.
The protesters laid red and yellow flowers on a uranium mining symbol in front of the building. Speaking at the action, Bob Carnegie from the Maritime Union of Australia described the union's involvement in the anti-uranium mining campaign in the 1980s and pledged its support for the Jabiluka campaign.
Drew Hutton from the Australian Greens also pledged his organisation's support for the campaign. A march to the office of the minister for resources, Senator Warwick Parer, was then followed by a speak-out.
The march, called 24 hours after mine construction began, marks the beginning of a campaign of heightened anti-Jabiluka activity in Brisbane. To get involved in the campaign, or find out more, contact the Brisbane Jabiluka Action Group on 3846 5793. JAG meetings are held every Monday at 7pm at 166 Anne St in the city.
Emma Webb reports from Adelaide that 300 people attended a gig on June 7, organised to raise money for the Jabiluka blockade. Performers included 99, Steve Lennox, Second Dimension, Batterz, the artist formerly known as Mahatt and many more.
The event also publicised the Jabiluka national day of action on August 8, Hiroshima Day. For details phone 8231 6982.
From Melbourne, Marcel Cameron reports that 13 members of the Jabiluka Action Group left Melbourne on June 20 on a 4040 kilometre bicycle ride to Kakadu. The Cycle Against the Nuclear Cycle aims to help build opposition to the Jabiluka mine and raise funds for the campaign. The cyclists will speak at public meetings and rallies in small towns and regional centres along the way.
One hundred people gathered at the headquarters of North Ltd to launch the ride, and 50 other cyclists joined the CANC riders for the first leg of the journey.
An anti-Jabiluka mine rally was held in Sydney on June 19. The Jabiluka Tent Embassy, still operating outside ERA's offices in Loftus Street two weeks after it was established by activists, was visited by two Aboriginal elders, Alan Murray and Diana Murray, last week. The Murrays expressed their solidarity with the Mirrar people and the campaign to stop the mine.