LNP MPs support radioactive emissions in Townsville region

Media Release

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin says the three Townsville LNP MPs need to end their silence and clarify whether they will tolerate the leaching of radioactive waste into Townsville waterways if uranium mining resumes at Ben Lomond.

Mr Mulherin said the three LNP MPs, Member for Mundingburra David Crisafulli Member for Townsville John Hathaway and Member for Thuringowa Sam Cox need to tell the people of Townsville if they also support the transportation of uranium through the city of Townsville and out of the port.

“The Ben Lomond uranium mine 50 kilometres west of Townsville was abandoned in the early 1980s because of serious environmental concerns including radioactive emissions to the atmosphere and the certainty of radioactive leaching,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Before the election the three MPs assured the people of Townsville the LNP had no plans to mine uranium.

“We now know the LNP Government has broken this commitment and there is a possibility of reopening the Ben Lomond uranium mine.

“Ben Lomond can now also be opened without any community input after the Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney last week introduced new legislation to Parliament which takes appeal powers away from local communities.
“The Economic Development Bill 2012 will allow the LNP Government to declare Priority Development Areas which remove legal appeal rights from Local Governments and community groups against developments such as a uranium mine and supporting infrastructure.

“The legislation will also provide the Deputy Premier with the power to amend Local Government planning instruments taking further input away from local communities,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said this clears the way for uranium mining to start at Ben Lomond despite a plethora of environmental concerns.
“Concerns previously raised about the Ben Lomond mine include the failure to evaluate the effects of the tailings dam and its possible collapse, the impact on fauna and flora and capacity to cope with extreme rainfall events,” he said.
“The escape of chemical pollutants, particularly heavy metals and radioactive materials into the surface and groundwater systems associated with the Burdekin River were also raised.
“Natural erosion and the extremely high rainfall which might be expected during the cyclone season, make it impossible to effectively isolate toxic materials and prevent their discharge into the Burdekin River.
“Environmental concerns about non-radioactive contamination by trace metals, such as copper, lead, zinc and cadmium were also identified hazards.
“On top of these environmental concerns the mined uranium would be transported through Townsville via truck or train and shipped out through the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville Port.
“It is time for the Townsville LNP MPs to break their silence and explain to the local community why they support the toxic release of chemicals into our local waterways,” Mr Mulherin said.