Elder Kevin Buzzacott
Photo: Jessie Boylan
MEDIA RELEASE
5th June, 2007
Veteran Aboriginal activist Kevin Buzzacott has been awarded the Australian Conservation Foundation's 2007 Peter Rawlinson Award for two decades of work highlighting the impacts of uranium mining and promoting a nuclear free Australia.
An Arabanna man with traditional custodial responsibilities for the area around Lake Eyre in northern South Australia, Kevin Buzzacott has drawn attention to the environmental, social and cultural impacts of the massive Olympic Dam uranium mine.
Taking on the world's largest mining company as it moves to develop the world's largest uranium mine is tough work - but Kevin Buzzacott has never been afraid to think big or to take a strong stand.
ACF Executive Director Don Henry welcomed the recognition of Mr Buzzacott's work, describing him as “a passionate and effective advocate for sustainable water management and for responsibility, respect and recognition of the rights, aspirations and traditional knowledge of Australia's Indigenous peoples”.
“Kevin is a cultural practitioner, an activist, an advocate and an educator. He has travelled tirelessly, talking to groups large and small about the impacts of uranium mining and the threats posed by the nuclear industry. Kevin has had a profound impact on the lives of many people - especially young people - with his many tours and `on-country' events.
“For many young activists `Uncle Kev' is truly an unsung hero and, against the current pro-nuclear tide, his is a very important struggle and story,” said Mr Henry.
BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam mine currently uses 35 million litres of Great Artesian Basin water a day - every day and free of charge - making it the largest industrial user of underground water in the southern hemisphere. The company is attempting to greatly increase its water allocation and expand the size and the impact of the mine.
ACF's annual award commemorates Dr Peter Rawlinson's outstanding contribution as an environmental campaigner and researcher. Peter was an ACF Treasurer and Vice President and one of Australia's leading biologists and conservationists. He died while doing field work in Indonesia in 1991.
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