Uranium Mining

Friday, October 31

WA Greens Spokesperson for energy and climate change Robin Chapple MLC has expressed disappointment over comments made by the Premier yesterday about the future of renewable energy in Western Australia.

On 720 ABC talkback radio yesterday Premier Colin Barnett claimed Western Australia would be unlikely to ever go 100% renewable and that renewable energy was incompatible with heavy industry and WA’s rail system.

Mr Chapple said whilst he was not surprised by the Premier’s attitude, the dismissive nature of his comments was alarming.

“Western Australia is going backwards under this luddite government,” he said.

“Since when did politicians become so short-sighted? We are talking about a resource that is absolutely finite.

“Climate change is not a phase, or a minor issue that has been over-hyped by alarmists or an issue that will simply pass.

“We, quite simply, are not doing anywhere near enough to reverse the damage we have already done and put in places processes and infrastructure to ensure the future energy needs of Western Australia indefinitely.

“That our own Premier, who rambles so consistently about our future economic security, is failing to see the link between that and ultimately, once the infrastructure is established, an energy network that will pay for itself is simply unfathomable.”

Mr Chapple said Australia, particularly Western Australia, was in danger of being rapidly left behind by the rest of the world.

“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, how many more flashing neon signs do we need?” he said.

“The price of coal is falling worldwide and some of our biggest trading partners, especially China, are slashing imports as well, meanwhile we are seeing a surge in renewable uptake especially in developing nations and throughout Europe.

“I’m not talking about weak, decade-by-decade targets such as the one our federal government is planning to gut – it is crucial that we establish long-term targets that legislate for a significant swing towards renewable energy and away from fossil fuel dependence.

“The Premier’s claims that his government ‘has actually put a lot of money into renewable energy’ are baseless as are his claims that we, as a state, with all of our heavy industry, are not compatible with a totally renewable energy system.”

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.

October 7 2014

The West Australian government has attempted to sidestep proper environmental assessment for two new uranium mines at Wiluna by releasing the proposal as an extension of the existing Wiluna Uranium Project, according to Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC.

Mr Chapple said Toro’s existing conditional approval should be revoked as this extension, which spans a much larger area between Wiluna and Lake Maitland than the original proposal, more than warrants the necessity for a new environmental study to be undertaken.

“The environmental assessment that has been done so far is inadequate for the four mines they are now proposing,” he said.

“The area in question covers two lake systems, where Toro plans not only to mine, but to dump toxic uranium waste in the lake bed.

“Furthermore, Toro Energy has not properly consulted the Traditional Owners for the Lake Maitland area who have significant, and warranted, concerns about the proposed mine’s impact on their lands and culture.

“This proposal and Wiluna’s existing conditional approval should both be rejected on environmental grounds.”

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

Greens Member for Mining and Pastoral Region, Robin Chapple MLC has quizzed the State Government over its funding support of a subsidiary of French uranium miner Areva, for its North Canning Project.

Earlier this week, Areva Resources Australia announced that it would move to abandon the Kimberley uranium project because it is not technically feasible.

“Did they get Royalties for Regions funding? Was it utilised or if not, was it returned? If not, why not?” Mr Chapple said.

“I am gobsmacked at the constant allocations of funding being poured into the pockets of those already at the very top of the super-rich mining pyramid. It’s an inequity of the highest order.

“The Royalties for Regions Scheme should be taking from the exploitative, extractive industries and supporting true regional development. We should be funding future industries, affordable housing and community infrastructure that will ensure sustainability beyond this limited mining boom. Why are we using these precious funds to facilitate unsustainable mining practices?

“It’s obvious that the State is struggling to provide affordable housing, energy infrastructure, good public transport options, community and health services, let alone take care of our fragile environment.

“Whichever way we look at it, we cannot justify this expenditure,” Mr Chapple said.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

17^th July 2014

Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC said he is concerned by the Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion’s call for West Australian miners to “take the lead” in the global uranium industry.

Mr Chapple said the Minister’s claims that nuclear energy was a “rational” and “fundamental” response to climate change were disturbing.

“It is unbelievably short-sighted - The Minister for mines and Petroleum wants Western Australia to become a radioactive state,” he said.

“Western Australia is strongly positioned to take full advantage of both solar and wind energy alternatives yet successive governments continue to side with mining companies without any consideration of the long-term consequences.

“Our government should be investing their time and money in renewable energy alternatives that won’t burden future generations with dangerous levels of radioactive waste.”

Mr Chapple said sharp falls in uranium prices contradict the Minister’s statement and add further weight to the Greens calls to halt uranium mining in this state.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255

Robin Chapple, the Greens WA spokesperson on Mining and Nuclear issues, today expressed his sadness after hearing the news of federal environment minister Burke’s decision to approve the Toro Energy Wiluna uranium mine.

“I am sad for the men and women who will be asked to work at close quarters with this most toxic of mineral ores, Mr Chapple said.

“They will have been reassured by the imprimatur given to this mine by the various levels of government. 

“Who can blame them for assuming that if it is permitted by the authorities, in a modern industry like Australia’s mining sector, then it must be OK?

"The truth, sadly, is that prolonged, repeated exposure to uranium ore, such as that experienced by Toro’s future mine workforce, is a proven health risk.

“We are laying the groundwork for a repeat of the tragic asbestos diseases scenario currently being played out across Australia, a particularly poignant thought as we this week mourn the passing of one of my electorate’s former Parliamentary representatives Mr Ernie Bridge.

“I fear for the effects this development will have on the local pastoral industry and on the water supply of nearby communities and towns.

“In a cruel coincidence, this announcement by Minister Burke comes less than a day after the ABC 4 Corners report which revealed the flawed process by which other Australian governments permitted the gas fracking projects which have led to a drastic diminution of water quality and quantity to regional areas in the eastern states. 

“We don’t want another situation to develop whereby it takes a courageous whistle-blower to reveal the folly of those entrusted with the protection of our environment – yet this decision, and its equally flawed State Government pronouncement last year, has led us to just that point”, concluded Mr Chapple.

Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region, and Nuclear issues spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC is astonished at today’s proposal by the promoters of the Sydney Mining Club’s “Nuclear focus” event, which would see a plethora of nuclear power plants installed across the length and breadth of WA.

“I had to double-check the calendar, in case this was an April Fools prank”, said Mr Chapple.  “The well-informed public of WA has moved on from the crazy 1970s thinking of Lang Hancock and his ilk, of using nuclear warheads to blast out harbours and who-knows what else”

“I have repeatedly warned of the dangers of placing these sorts of facilities near seismically active areas, such as the WA Goldfields – you only need to look at the ongoing radiation leaks from the Fukushima reactor to see what might unfold.  This is the last thing we need in WA, where the Greens have proven with the recent release of the “Energy 2029 plan”that renewable energy is the way to go, especially in our sun-drenched remote regions.”

”No serious miner would touch this with a barge-pole - who could afford the massive insurance premiums?  No prizes for guessing it would be taxpayers, via the government, footing the bill.  I call on the Barnett/Grylls government and the McGowan alternative to clearly spell out whether or not they agree with the spread of nuclear power plants across WA.”

Senator Scott Ludlam, who was unavailable for a detailed briefing, issued a succinct one-line statement branding the collection of pro-nuclear groups behind this latest crazy proposal as “seriously deluded”

“This is a yet another foolish proposal by people who are driven by greed and flawed ideology, and clearly have no understanding of the consequences of this nonsense for WA, its people and its environmental well-being. Let’s rule this out – Messrs Barnett, Grylls & McGowan – over to you!!” Mr Chapple concluded.

Energy 2029 plan: http://www.greenswa.net.au/energy2029

Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple MLC has hit out at comments made by Environmental Protection Authority chief Paul Vogel today supporting mining companies seeking to ‘streamline environmental approvals’ ahead of conservationists.

“Mr Vogel needs to be reminded that his primary task is to protect the environment, not promote mining and other destructive industries, particularly when it comes to something as toxic and untested in WA as uranium mining,” Mr Chapple said.

“If Mr Vogel is so keen on promoting industry maybe he is in the wrong job.”

Mr Chapple is also calling on the Environment Minister Bill Marmion to act and stand Mr Vogel aside, pending a full review of his publically expressed views and actions since his appointment, to see whether he is fit for the job of Chairman of the EPA.

“The people of Western Australia need to take a long hard look at the Barnett-Grylls government’s relationship with the mining and business sector and I think they will find conflicts of interest at all levels.

“The Conservation Council of WA was quite correct to criticize WA’s deficient approvals process. I have many more examples of these practices. One only needs to look at what has taken place within the EPA this year regarding approvals for the development of the Browse LNG processing plant at James Price Point.

“If Mr Vogel is serious about the role of the EPA as ‘facilitating ecologically sustainable development’ then he has a completely different idea of this concept than what is regarded as acceptable by forward-thinking people elsewhere in the world.

“In the 1980s we saw the Burke Labor government working cheek by jowl with the corporate sector. That scandal became known as WA Inc. We now have the Barnett-Grylls government taking on their mantle,” Mr Chapple said.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255