Pacific Islanders Talk: People on the Frontline of Climate Change

Australian Conservation Foundation & Friends of the Earth cordially invites you to a talk.

Islands in Peril: Climate Change and its impact on our Pacific Neighbour
Special Guests from the Pacific atolls of Carterets and Papua New Guinea will be with us to share their stories.

Date: Monday 17th December 2007

Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start (to 8.30pm)

Venue: The Library, Carrington Hotel
Katoomba St., Katoomba

The Pacific islands of Carterets are under threat from rising sea level believed to be induced by climate change. These islands were once idyllic and peaceful supporting a rich and diverse cultures. Now climate change is taking its toll. The island communities are fearing for their future. Our special guests will share with us their courageous stance and determination both to cope with their impending fate as well as to protect their unique cultures. A special guest from PNG Ecoforestry Forum will also be at the forum to share her experience in forest campaign in PNG. There will be amble time to ask questions at the forum.

Gold coin donations (Light refreshments provided)

RSVP: Natalie Lowrey [natalie.lowrey[at]foe.org.au] 0421 226 200

VOTE NUCLEAR FREE: Short film Screening

Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group invites you to

VOTENUCLEARFREE: Short Film Screening

Monday 19th November (5 days before the election!)
@ Tris Elies, Katoomba, 6.30pm
waged $8 / underwaged $5


PERFORMANCES: Andrish Heks and Ash Wanders (7.20pm)

SCREENINGS INCLUDE: Climate of Hope, documentary film by Scott Ludlam & Jose Garcia (7.50pm) [please see program below for other screenings]

www.nuclearfree.blogspot.com
www.votenuclearfree.net

The current push to expand the nuclear industry means a greater risk of nuclear weapons, nuclear waste and terrorism. This federal election sees Australia at a crossroad. Will we become a world leader in renewable energy solutions or a world loser with nukes?

Join the Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group in a collection of recent short films on the impacts of the nuclear industry from uranium mining to nuclear weapons, nuclear power to positive solutions to climate change.

Don’t radioactive waste your vote this federal election. To find out where the political parties stand on nuclear issues and for more info go to: WWW.VOTENUCLEARFREE.NET


Program for the evening


6.30: Opening speaker from Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group

6.40pm: Living Country – 22 minutes – 2005
A documentary about the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Territory’s fight to prevent the federal government from dumping nuclear waste in their country.
Living Country is part of the Nganampa Anwernekenhe series produced by Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) Productions. Nganampa Anwernekenhe means ‘ours’ in the Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte languages, and the series aims to contribute to the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures.

7.10pm: Atomic Footprints - 10 minutes - 2007
Australia could be about to see one of the largest expansions of its involvement in the nuclear fuel chain. Here are a few reasons why this is not a good idea.
By Pip Starr | Music by Mark Daniel | Animations by Dermot Egan | Voice over by Dave Sweeney

7.20pm: Performance by Andris Heks and Ash Wanders

7.45pm: Introduction to next three films

7.50pm: Climate of Hope - 30 minutes - 2007
While the threat of climate change is now widely accepted in the community, the potential for a host of nuclear power stations in Australia has raised questions about the best strategy for our country to move to a low-carbon economy.
A documentary by Scott Ludlam | Soundtrack by Jose Garcia
Produced by Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia

8.20pm: International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons - 6 minutes - 2007
Outlines the state of nuclear weapons today and celebrates the achievements of the peace and anti-nuclear movement.
Produced by International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)

8.30pm: Genie in a Bottle: Unleashed – 16 minutes - 2007
A film by two 13 year old boys from the US, on the issue of nuclear weapons and the Manhattan Project and in memory of the 60th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombs in August 2005.
Produced and Directed by Stephen Sotor and Trace Gaynor

www.nuclearfree.blogspot.com
www.votenuclearfree.net

For more info please contact Natalie: natalie.lowrey@foe.org.au | 0421 226 200

Vote Nuclear Free Australia

Vote Nuclear Free Australia summarises the nuclear policies of Australian political parties to allow readers to make informed decisions. Some are now pushing hard to expand uranium mining, uranium enrichment and domestic nuclear power despite the serious weapons proliferation risks and public health and environmental dangers of this industry. There are even those who want Australia to become the world’s high-level radioactive waste dump. Visit http://www.votenuclearfree.net Stop uranium mining Prevent uranium enrichment Stop nuclear reactors Stop nuclear waste dumps and transport Clear the world of nuclear weapons Stop food irradiation please signup as our friend on myspace please signup as our friend on facebook

Depleted Oz

Recently posted on YouTube by BSharpProductions
"US military's use of depleted uranium munitions an it's side effects. Now the Australian government has agreed to allow American military hold war games on Australian soil. Pressure is on to go nuclear power and mine more uranium."

Congratulations Joel and Sophie AND to Kevin Buzzacott!

From the South Australian Conservation Council newsletter 

Jill Hudson Award

The CCSA’s Jill Hudson Award for Environmental Protection was awarded
this year by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, the Hon Gail
Gago. The Minister presented the prestigious awards on May 19th at the
CONNECT 07 Conference. The $1000 Award recognises significant
environmental achievements and this year was jointly presented to two
entries.

*Sophie Green and Joel Catchlove* jointly received the Award for their
outstanding voluntary commitment to educate and engage the general
public about environmental issues. They have established Friends of the
Earth (Adelaide) and the Clean Futures Collective and have campaigned
tirelessly against the expansion of the nuclear industry in SA.

*Kevin Buzzacott, Arabunna Elder,* received the Award for his
long-standing commitment to Keepers of Lake Eyre, working to protect the
region from the effects of the Olympic Dam uranium mine. His
participation in the annual Radioactive Tour also high-lighted the
effects of uranium mining in his country, in part-icular in the use of
ground water for the mine. (see photo overleaf).

Ian Woods of Strathalbyn was highly commended by the Award panel for his
personal contribution to the community of Strathalbyn, particularly
during the No Mine campaign in Strathalbyn.

Other nominees were Colin Endean of Burra, a volunteer with the Climate
Project; Andrew Nance of Woodville Park who has worked on climate change
and sustainability issues; and Wolford Parsons of Port Vincent for his
achievements in Landcare. ‘We were very impressed by the quality of all
the nominations, and it is particularly wonderful to be reminded of the
efforts in rural and regional South Australia,’ said Julie Pettett, CCSA CEO

The annual Award is in memory of Jillian Hudson (7/9/48 – 9/8/97), a
passionate educator who believed

‘Life is an opportunity and its purpose is to stand
for something and to make a difference.’

`David v Goliath' Indigenous nuclear campaigner wins national environment award

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.

Further info and comment: Dave Sweeney, ACF Nuclear Campaigner,
0408 317 812

TRADITIONAL OWNERS SPEAK OUT: NO RADIOACTIVE DUMP IN THE NT

Photos: Jessie Boylan

Traditional Owners National Speaking Tour

A BBQ with Traditional Owners will be held
June 24, 2pm – 5pm, Redfern Community Centre.
29-53 Hugo St Redfern.

SYDNEY PUBLIC MEETING
From the Heart, For the Heartland
Traditional Owners Speak Out:
No radioactive dump in the NT
June 25, 6pm, Redfern Community Centre
29-53 Hugo St, Redfern.

If you live locally in the Blue Mountains and want to go to
these events in Sydney please contact: Natalie Lowrey
T: 02 4782 1181
E: natalie.lowrey[at]foe.org.au 

VISIT slideshow to hear Traditional Owner, Dianne Stokes talking
http://www.timbonham.com/slideshows/Muckaty/


Proposed sites for nuclear waste dump

Traditional Owners Speak Out: No radioactive dump in the NT
This month, Indigenous traditional owners and community members
from areas proposed for the Federal radioactive waste dump are
undertaking a national speaking tour.  Timed to coincide with the
announcement of the Federal Government’s preferred dump site,
the tour is an opportunity for national audiences to hear how the
dump proposal is impacting the targeted communities in the Northern
Territory. Speakers will share their stories and experiences and raise
concerns related to contamination of the country that sustains their
communities, livelihoods and traditional culture.

Speakers confirmed for the tour include:
- Mt Everard traditional owners, Audrey McCormack and
Benedict Stevens
- Harts Range community members Priscilla Williams and Mitch
- Muckaty traditional owner Dianne Stokes
- Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance (TEACA)
convenor and Larrakia Nations’ representative Donna Jackson.

A public meeting is being held in Sydney on June 25 at Redfern
Community Centre, 25-53 Hugo St. The evening will comprise
speakers, an exhibition of artworks from affected communities,
photos of the proposed dump sites and a short film.

The speaking tour aims to confront and dispel the myth used
to justify nuclear activities in Australia; that remote areas are
uninhabited and lifeless places. Federal Science Minister Julie
Bishop suggested that all of the proposed waste dump sites are
“some distance from any form of civilisation” when in fact, there
are communities living and running successful enterprises three,
five and eighteen kilometres away from the four areas currently
being assessed.

This is a unique opportunity to hear first hand, the impact of
the Federal radioactive waste dump proposal on remote and
indigenous communities. With Australia poised to expand involvement
in the global nuclear industry, this public forum will enable discussion
of domestic radioactive waste management issues, social and
environment concerns regarding the NT dump proposal and ways
people interstate can engage with and support the NT
community campaign.

Please advertise this public event widely amongst your family,
friends and colleagues and contact the tour coordinator for
any further information.

Adam Wolfenden
Friends of the Earth, Sydney
0401 045 536

HARD RAIN - David Bradbury's new film

Traversing five countries – China, France, UK, Japan and Australia, and using what Bradbury learnt from his previous three nuclear documentaries (Public Enemy Number One, Jabiluka and Blowin' in the Wind), A Hard Rain takes a closer look at the global nuclear industry in its entirety – from the mining of uranium through to the nuclear power plant to the radioactive waste and weapons manufacturing. It exposes the hidden agendas behind this latest push for Australia to go nuclear.

The film can be bought at:
http://www.frontlinefilms.com.au

Green Left Weekly/Blue Mountains Socialist Alliance will
be presenting the film Monday 28th May 2007

David Bradbury's newest anti-nuclear film

A Hard Rain

Monday May 28, 7.30 pm, Red Room
Tris Elies nightclub
Katoomba (next to train station)
Arrive early to ensure a good seat!

NUCLEAR WASTER DUMP IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Natalie Wasley, Beyond Nuclear Initiative campaigner, Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC)
with Dianne Stokes, Muckaty Traditional Owner. Photo: Tim Bonham

Tim Bonham put together this slide show after a couple of trips
up to visit Muckaty mob over the last month.

http://www.timbonham.com/slideshows/Muckaty/

____________________________________________________________

MUCKATY Station near Tennant Creek has been nominated by the Northern
Land Council (NLC) as the site for the national nuclear waste facility.

"Despite some media and Northern Land Council rhetoric, there is strong
opposition to the dump proposal, from Ngapa Traditional Owmer's whose land
has been nominated and from other Muckaty mob, whose dreaming passes
through that area and who look after country along the haulage access road."

Says Beyond Nuclear Initiative campaigner, Natalie Wasley from the .
Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC)

The Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group (BMNFG) will continue to support
Traditional Owners who oppose the proposed nuclear waster dump on their
lands. BMNFG calls on Federal Science and Education Minister Julie
Bishop to not accept the nomination.

There is still no safe way to store nuclear waste. The proposed nuclear
waster dump is unwanted and unneccesary. If the nomination of Muckaty
Station in the Northern Territory to host the dump goes ahead we will see
radioactive waste transported all the way from Lucas Heights exposing
communities along the transport route to risk of spill and contamination.
The possible transport route includes the World Heritage Listed
Blue Mountains.

For more info on the nuclear waste dump please go to:
http://no-waste.org

Nuclear Free Ways - Public Meeting at the Blackheath Climate Action Now meeting

Friends of the Earth's Nuclear Free Ways campaigner, Michaela Stubbs with members of the Blackheath Climate Action Now group, Peacebus.com and the Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group at Govetts Leap in Blackheath. Photo: Peter Veevers

Over the past week the Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group and Friends of the Earth have been hosting the Nuclear Free Ways Campaign.

Forty people attended the Nuclear Free Ways public meeting held in Katoomba on Wednesday 11th April. The night was opened with photographs by Jessie Boylan from her 'Inhabited' Exhibition. These exquisite portraits of communites who are fighting the proposed nuclear waste dump on there lands also included audio of them talking abot their struggle. A powerful exhibition that will come back to the Blue Mountains for 3 weeks later this year.

Dr. Jim Green the national nuclear campaigner from Friends of the Earth gave us an overview of the political situation at present including the Howard governments push for nuclear power and the possiblility that the ALP will over turn the no new mines policy. Over turning of the no new mines policy would inevitably mean an expansion in the uranium mining industry in Australia.

Nuclear Free Ways campaigner, Michaela Stubbs continued the evening with a presentation around the possible transportation of nuclear waste through the Blue Mountains to the proposed nuclear waste dump site in the Northern Territory.

This public meeting was followed up by a meeting and photo with Mayor Jim Angel and Councillor Kerrin O'Grady.

On Sunday Michaela was also invited to talk at the Blackheath Climate Action Now meeting and an interview on the Katoomba Surf Club's radio show on Blu FM.

For more information on the Nuclear Free Ways campaign, how you can get involved and how you can support contact:

Michaela Stubbs
(m) 0429 136 935
(e) michaela.stubbs[at]foe.org.au

To get involved in the Blue Mountains please contact the Blue Mountains Nuclear Free Group:
manager[at]kncinc.org.au