Anti-nuclear fight goes to Canada

April 16, 2015
Issue 
Peter Watts and Barb Shaw, part of the delegation of Australian nuclear free campaigners in Canada for the World Uranium Symposi

Australian Nuclear Free Alliance released this statement on April 14.

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A delegation of Australian nuclear free campaigners travelled to Canada to present at the World Uranium Symposium being held in Quebec City on April 14 to 16.

The group included representatives from Aboriginal communities impacted by nuclear projects and national environment groups.

Canadian company Cameco is behind plans for two controversial uranium mines in Western Australia – Kintyre in the Pilbara and Yeelirrie in the Northern Goldfields, which was at the forefront of issues raised by the Australian delegation alongside the emerging issues with the South Australian Royal Commission into the nuclear industry.

The symposium examined the human and environmental impacts of the industry, with the Australian delegation presenting sessions on the nuclear fuel chain legacy in Australia, Indigenous rights and the nuclear fuel chain and the intergenerational health impacts of nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

The symposium was followed by the 5th International Uranium Film Festival, which featured the Australian film Protecting Manuwangku, documenting the successful struggle of Warlmanpa Traditional Owners to stop a national radioactive dump at Muckaty in the Northern Territory.

Australian delegate and Australian Nuclear Free Alliance co-chair Barb Shaw said: "Nationally we meet once a year with common issues on common ground, we're now taking that internationally where people are fighting and struggling with the same things we're facing back at home. My expectations for the next few days is networking and sharing solutions"

Australian Conservation Foundation campaigner Dave Sweeney said: "People from all around the world are in Canada sharing stories about the dangers and the environmental impacts of all aspects of the nuclear trade. From the land of the maple leaf to the land of the gum leaf, there is no place for the nuclear trade. It is not sustainable and it is not welcome."

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