20 July 2011
Greens MLC Robin Chapple will address the Australian Uranium Conference on Thursday 21 August, at Fremantle.
A long time opponent of the nuclear industry, Mr Chapple will present his views to the conference, and has also invited Koara Traditional Owner Richard Evans to join him on stage.
Mr Evans is a traditional owner from the lands of the proposed BHP Yeelirrie Uranium mine. He is a spokesperson for the WA Nuclear Free Alliance.
Mr Chapple will highlight analysis of the uranium industry showing that uranium is a highly risky investment, with the nuclear power industry going backwards in previous years, and now stopped in its tracks by the disastrous experience at Fukushima.
“In 2008 no new nuclear energy facility was started up, seven new plants were added in 2009 – 2010, and 11 were shut down over that period. The shutdown trend will continue as engineering evaluations demand that the plants from the 60s and 70s are closed, said Mr Chapple.
“The alternative, renewable energy, is booming across the world, and has a bright future as a sustainable energy source.
“Uranium mining is inherently dangerous to it’s workforce. It leaves toxic radioactive waste behind. At best the ore is utilized in nuclear energy production, with catastrophic consequences such as those at Fukushima. At worst the ore makes it’s way into nuclear weapons – wielded by hostile states or terrorists.
“The nuclear industry has no rational future, other than the eternal waste management task ahead.” concluded Mr Chapple.
Mr Chapple will be available for media comment outside the Fremantle Esplanade Hotel from 8:15am Thursday 21 July, where he will then address the protest gathering outside the conference.
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
