Statement of the Alliance Against Uranium July 29-30 2006

The meeting was attended by members from Arrernte, Luritja, Adnymathahana, Arabunna, Warlmanpa and Larrakia/Wulna Aboriginal Nations , Engawala and Atitjere communities and environmental, public health and social justice groups including; Friends of the Earth, Medical Association for the Prevention of War, the Anti Nuclear Alliance of WA, Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society, Arid Lands Environment Centre, Environment Centre NT, Beyond Nuclear Initiative, Australian Student Environment Network, Canberra Region Anti Nuclear Campaign, Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance.

The meeting was held on Athenge Lhere land at Mt. Everard near Alice Springs in Central Australia. This is one of the areas now being targeted by the Federal Government as a potential Commonwealth radioactive waste dump, along with sites at Harts Range, Fishers Ridge and Muckaty Station – all in the NT.

The meeting opposed plans to dump radioactive waste at any site in the Northern Territory and condemned the imposition of a nuclear dump anywhere in Australia.  The meeting recognised the strong opposition from Traditional Owners and committed to actively campaign against the dump across Australia.

The meeting affirmed the right of Traditional Aboriginal Owners to enjoy clean country and clean water and practice strong culture and called on all political parties to oppose moves for more uranium mining, radioactive waste dumping and other nuclear developments.

The meeting heard the deep concerns by Indigenous people over the impacts of nuclear activities on land, water, bush tucker and culture.

Participants at the meeting undertook to build networks, share information and campaign together towards a safe, clean nuclear free Australia.