Uranium In Australia : A Detailed Timeline 1999

Uranium In Australia : A Detailed Timeline
1999
Compiled by the SEA-US Webmaster

December 1999

December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
December
November 1999

November
November
November
November
November
November
November
November
November
November
November
October 1999

October 1 -
October 1 -
October 1 -
October 1 -
October 1 -
October 1 -
October 1 -
October 22 -
October 20 - The Roxby Downs Town Board will change from 8 to 6 members, with a majority of 4 from the township of Roxby Downs. The move is intended to make WMC and the State Government more accountable to the community.
October 20 - The Federal Government has vowed to respect Coober Pedy Council's declaration of a nuclear-free zone, but points out that it can be over-ridden if required. More than 200 people signed a petition opposing proposed nuclear waste developments in the Far North of SA.
October 15 - The Democrats in SA announce they will prepare similar legislation for the SA Parliament as that presently before the WA Parliament, to prevent SA becoming a nuclear waste dump.
October 14 - The Mirrar withdraw their application for the protection of a Boyweg Almudj sacred site complex, due to continuing concerns over the appointment of Adelaide lawyer Alistair McFarlane and the way an inquiry into the application was proceeding.
October 13 - The WA Government announces it will support the WA Labour bill before parliament to outlaw an international nuclear waste dump and Pangea.
October 5 - A highly radioactive nuclear gauge, based on neutron radiation from Americium-241, goes missing from the Plutonic minesite in WA. The Homestake Mining Company says the device "... is inherently safe but warns of the risks of tampering with the device" but has no idea how the density gauge disappeared from its locked warehouse.
October 3 - Jacqui Katona from the Gundjehmi Corporation says the Mirrar people can survive economically without the mine, despite claims to the contrary by governments, the miners and other groups. She says the Mirrar's economic model rejects economic assimilation.
October 1 - The South Australian Government began moves in State Parliament to allow WMC to buy electricity from interstate for Roxby Downs. Given the massive government investment in Roxby to date, this would prevent adequate financial return on taxpayers funds if WMC get away with it.
September 1999

September 30 - Nuclear criticality accident at Tokaimura in Japan. The uranium fuel processing facility is owned by Sumitomo, a partnerwith North Ltd in iron ore mines in WA.
September 29 - The City of Geraldton in WA declares itself a nuclear-free zone, agreeing to prepare an amendment which would state that the city does not support the establishment of nuclear industries and associated activities.
September 27 - The Australian Conservation Foundation, citing a recent detailed study from key university research in Western Australia, claims there is a long-term weakness in the international uranium market that could make new projects unviable.
September 24 - The Mirrar applied for the protection of the Boiwek sacred site, under the Federal Aboriginal Heritage Protection Act, to try and protect the site from the proposed Jabiluka uranium mine. Alleged Environment Minister, Robert Hill, appointed Adelaide lawyer Alistair McFarlane to compile a report on the application despite strong protests from the Mirrar.
September 22 - Construction begins at Beverley, with Heathgate hoping to be producing and exporting by mid-2000.
September 17 - Woomera area administrator, Joe Van-Homelen, says that the 10,000 drums of radioactive waste moved from Sydney's Lucas Heights nuclear reactor in 1996, is kept 50 kilometres from the town in old Defence hangars. Mr Van-Homelen admits it has affected use of the area, as organisations who would normally use it, looked for alternative sites.
September 14 - The Kalgoorlie-Boulder City Council in WA proclaims itself a nuclear-free zone to oppose Pangea's plans for a nuclear waste dump to be built in the Goldfields.
September 14 - 50 citizens, involving representatives from the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta, Arabunna and Kookatha Aboriginal peoples and the Humps Not Dumps anti-nuclear camel trekkers, block the entrance to WMC's Olympic Dam mine site.
September 8 - A motion in the WA the Legislative Assembly to oppose any proposals for a nuclear waste dump in the State's outback was supported by all members. This increases the pressure for the motion to become legislation to ensure the outlawing of Pangea.
September 2 - Greenpeace is demanding answers over an accident on a freighter carrying plutonium-based nuclear fuels off the Western Australian coast. It has been revealed a 41-year-old crew member was flown off the Pacific Pintail suffering a broken collarbone and head injuries, after the ship hit bad weather at the weekend.
September 1 - The Full Bench of the Federal Court in Sydney today handed down a judgement that genocide is not a crime under Australian common law. Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacott says they will now seek a legal team to take their case to the International Court in Geneva, in an effort to recognise that genocide is continuing against Aboriginal people in Australia, especially at uranium mine sites such as Roxby Downs and Ranger/Jabiluka.
August 1999

August 27 - Coober Pedy's mayor says his community opposes a proposal that outback South Australia be considered for storage of waste from the new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights.
August 27 - The Federal Government has confirmed outback South Australia is a possible site for the storage of waste from the new nuclear reactor planned for Sydney.
August 27 - Two armed British freighters, Pacific Pintail and Pacific Teal carrying plutonium-based nuclear fuels, are believed to be off south-west Australia and are believed to be moving toward the Tasman Sea for early September.
August 26 - Broken Hill City Council in NSW announces its objections to the Federal and State Governments about the transportation of nuclear waste through the city.
August 25 - Esperance Shire Council in WA agreed to investigate amending its town planning scheme to prevent the transportation, storage or treatment of nulear waste of byproducts - to prevent Pangea from being established in their council boundaries.
August 25 - SA State Labour Opposition calls on the public to decide if it has been misled over the ETSA/WMC electricity contract issue. The operator of the Roxby Downs mine this year announced it would negotiate with interstate power providers, threatening a major blow to the revenue of ETSA Corporation. WMC denies all claims.
August 25 - The new research reactor for ANSTO at Lucas Heights is approved by the federal Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. Residents and environmental groups were quick to condemn the decision.
August 21 - Seminar on Nuclear Waste held at the University of Western Australia by pro-Pangea advocates. An alternative seminar was organised by environment and anti-nuclear groups to oppose Pangea.
August 19 - ERA's new chief executive, Mr Bob Cleary, says pressure from environmental groups has forced it to make the Jabiluka uranium mine less damaging to the land. Yeah Right.
August 19 - The Federal Government says more research will be carried out to determine the impact of nuclear testing on thousands of servicemen at the Monte Bello Islands and Maralinga in the 1950s.
August 15 - Labor leader Kim Beazley says the decision to scale down uranium production at the Northern Territory's Jabiluka mine makes the project less financially beneficial to Australia.
August 14 - Northern Land Council, which is supposed to act on behalf of all Aborigines in the Kakadu region, says issues of social, environmental and cultural impact have not been dealt with adequately over Jabiluka.
August 13 - Former Northern Territory senator and federal minister Bob Collins expresses serious doubts that the Jabiluka uranium mine will go ahead, given that the preferred Ranger Mill Alternative has been opposed by the Mirrar. Good one Bob - pity you're only playing politics for ERA to try and scare Aboriginal groups into the possibility of no more royalties.
August 10 - Alleged Environment Minister, Robert Hill, accused Greens Senator Bob Brown of whipping up hysteria over the Australian route of a ship which is carrying nuclear waste to Japan.
August 9 - The Humps Not Dumps camel trek across outback South Australia begins, highlighting the impacts of the nuclear industry and further proposals fore yet more impacts at Beverley, Honeymoon, waste dumps, Roxby, nuclear tests, etc....
July 1999

July 23 - Plutonium shipments, consisting of mixed oxide uranium-plutonium fuel (MOX), are announced to be travelling through the Tasman Sea. Owned by BNFL and being shipped to Japan.
July 13 - The Australian Government says no mining will occur at Jabiluka in Kakadu National Park for 18 months while a full cultural assessment of the area's sacred sites is completed.
July 13 - UNESCO's World Heritage Committee vote NOT to list Kakadu National Park as endangered by Jabiluka. However, the committee will continue to monitor the effect of uranium mining on the park and traditional Aboriginal owners and will require the Australian Government to provide progress reports. The vote causes outrage and numerous claims of excessive bullying and wastage of taxpayers money to force the UN body into capitulating, despite the overwhelming body of scientific, social and cultural evidence supporting Jabiluka placing Kakadu "In Danger".
July 12 - North Ltd reaches agreement with the 120 shareholders to hold the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) over Jabiluka on October 29.
July 11 - Police have clashed with a group of protestors, outside the offices of Mining company, North Ltd in Melbourne. The scuffle occurred when police confiscated furniture for a tent embassy being set up for the World Heritage Committee decision on whether Kakadu is in danger because of the Jabiluka mine.
July 9 - ERA accepts the government's imposition of limited mining at Jabiluka before the closure of the Ranger uranium mine, as a way to avoid an "in danger" listing for Kakadu.
July 9 - Prime Minister John Howard states that he is remaining steadfast in his determination to have the Jabiluka uranium mine proceed, even if Kakadu National Park is listed as a world heritage area "in danger".
July 8 - Pangea Resources announce they will shift their offices from Melbourne to Perth, despite Premier Richard Court stating he will not allow their proposal in WA.
July 8 - Friends of the Earth reveal that the Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump in northern South Australia is also likely to receive and store Intermediate Level nuclear waste.
July 8 - Australian Government accused of unduly pressuring the World Heritage Bureau over Jabiluka and Kakadu in Paris.
July 7 - Senator Minchin releases a progress report on the Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump in northern South Australia, stressing that foreign nuclear waste will not be accepted - only 'dinky die Aussie waste'. Minchin hoipes to have the dump operational by 2001.
July 7 - Senator Hill compromises at the UNESCO World Heritage meeting, saying that the Ranger mine in Kakadu will close before full commercial production begins at Jabiluka. Senator Hill has also promised to address the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal communities living in Kakadu.
July 5 - ERA announce the completion of the first stage of Jabiluka uranium mine has been completed, with the underground decline to access the ore body finished ahead of schedule and under budget. ERA says safety and environmental studies will be carried out during the next six months. Curiously, this coincides with the beginning of UNESCO World Heritage meetings in Paris over Jabiluka & Kakadu.
July 5 - Mirrar confirm that they have refused $9 million provided by ERA for housing, business support and a women's resource centre, since this would compromise their opposition to Jabiluka.
June 1999

June 30 - Government, through Alleged Environment Minister Robert Hill, instantly dismiss the Senate Jabiluka Inqiury report.
June 30 - The report of the Senate Jabiluka Inquiry is released, highly critical of the process and that there has not been enough consideration of the mine's impact on the social, environmental and cultural values of Kakadu. It says the most disturbing element was the pattern of rushed and premature ministerial approvals, saying issues like the disposal of tailings and cultural heritage protection have not been adequately dealt with.
June 27 - US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney collects the signatures of more than 30 members of the US Congress and lobbies President Bill Clinton against the Jabiluka mine.
June 25 - Democrats call for information on the potential uranium mine in WA at Manyingee to be released, now that Paladin Resources have acquired full ownership.
June 24 - Revealed that 29 mining leases are still active in Kakadu National Park, left over from the frenzy of the 1970s before the Kakadu area was converted to National Park status.
June 11 - Professor Robert Wasson from the Australian National University and other academics, giving evidence at the Senate Jabiluka Inquiry, criticise the approvals process for Jabiluka as short sighted.
June 10 - Despite about 20% of the 1,600 personnel who served in the Gulf War having sought medical discharges and eight died, the federal government continues to deny the health impacts from the war.
June 10 - North Ltd take shareholders to court in order to try and muzzle public debate and dissent over the (EGM) on Jabiluka.
June 3 - More than 120 shareholders force North Ltd to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) over Jabiluka.
June 1 - Mirrar win approval from the courts to proceed in a court case against (former) Resources Minister Warwick Parer for his approvals of Jabiluka.
May 1999

May 21 - Gundjhemi Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Mirrar traditional owners, apply for an inquiry under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. If successful, it would immediately suspend works pending the outcome of the inquiry. This was used against the construction of Hindmarsh Islands bridge in SA.
May 21 - ERA resume work on the underground decline at Jabiluka. Stoopid! The Mirrar announce that without a proper cultural heritage management plan, ERA will not have met its conditions for approval, and therefore cannot be issued with a uranium export permit. The Boyweg-Almudj sacred site complex will now be blasted apart by the advance of the decline......
May 20 - Southern Cross Resources release their 1998 Annual Report, stating that the new EIS for the Honeymoon and associated deposits will be released in May 1999 (they better hurry!), and that uranium resources have been substantially upgraded at the East Kalkaroo deposit, from 900 to 4,000 tonnes U3O8, and a 15% increase at the Honeymoon deposit.
May 20 - In a direct rebuke of Resources Minister Hill, ICOMOS call the government "hysterical" over their attempts to subvert the World Heritage In Danger process for Kakadu.
May 19 - Alleged Environment Minister, Robert Hill, continuing his charade as Resources Minister, vows that nothing will stop Jabiluka. Rightly so, he's labelled an embarassment to Australians by the Democrats, environment groups and the Mirrar.
May 19 - The Native Title claimants for the areas of the proposed Billa Kalina national nuclear waste dump sign agreements with the government, who finally agree to abide by SA Aboriginal Heritage laws. They make it crystal clear that the agreement does not include agreement for a waste dump site.
May 19 - The two bodies that advise UNESCO on World Heritage matters - IUCN and ICOMOS - release their peer review reports of the Government and Supervising Scientist propaganda, clearly stating that Kakadu is World Heritage "In Danger" due to the Jabiluka uranium project. The third, independent report, says there are many technical problems with the reports, but was inconclusive regarding World Heritage "In Danger".
May 18 - The Northern Territory government labels the Senate Inquiry into the approvals of Jabiluka and World Heritage issues as a "farce", and says they have not had enough time to prepare their submission. Ironic, when they dismiss public complaints about the lack of time for EIS submissions.....
May 18 - ERA stop work for 3 days on the underground decline at Jabiluka just as they reach the edge of the Boyweg-Almudj sacred site complex, however, they say they will continue with work on May 21. The Mirrar refuse to co-operate, saying that if work was to stop for 6 months to allow proper time and due process for the cultural heritage management plan to be developed, they would happily engage with ERA further.
May 11 - ERA announce that they will stop work for 3 days on the underground decline at Jabiluka on May 18, to allow consultations with the Mirrar and development of a cultural heritage management plan. 3 days is a joke, only no-one's laughing.
May 7 - Minchin admits they are yet to decide what to do with the spent nuclear fuel rods from Lucas Heights. Meanwhile, SA Resources Minister, Rob Kerin, admits that his government has not yet agreed to actually accept the low-level waste dump, and are waiting on the drilling and environmental impact studies to demonstrate that it's safe. Sure you are.
May 7 - Federal government says that drilling at sites selected for the Billa Kalina national nuclear waste dump could begin within days. Minchin accuses the ACF of continuing their "nuclear fear campaign".
May 6 - At the Senate Estimates Environment Committee, Democrats force Stuart Needham to admit that he lied at the Dec. 1998 committee meeting, and that radon will in fact be released from the Beverley ISL uranium mine. Doh! Hill dismisses it of course....
May 5 - The 2 day hearings of the Public Works Committee into Lucas Heights begins in Sydney.
May 3 - Industry and Resources Crony, Senator Nick Minchin, gives the green light for the replacement nuclear research reactor at Lucas Heights - despite the fact that Parliamentary Public Works committee is yet to report!
May 3 - Alleged Environment Minister Robert Hill, argues that mining in World Heritage areas is still possible, with reference to the new mining he just approved in the Shark Bay World Heritage area, WA. "...it's just difficult."
May 1 - SA Premier, John Olsen, quickly defends the final approval for Beverley, saying that "strict environmental standards are in place and the economic spin-offs justify the project." Yeah, right!
April 1999

April 30 - Cosmo Newbury Aboriginal community declares their utmost outrage at Pangea's dump proposal and say they'll fight it with any legal action they can.
April 30 - Heathgate receive final approvals from Resources Crony, Nick Minchin, for commercial development of Beverley. But of course!
April 29 - Federal government it is going to use the "Lands Aquisition Act" in order to compulsorily take the land from traditional owners and citizens for the Billa Kalina national nuclear waste dump.
April 29 - ERA say they are happy with the extension of the Ranger lease by the Mirrar, although Jacqui Katona says they had no legal right to object anyway since they rights were removed by legislation in 1978.
April 29 - Profesor Barry Brady, from the University of Western Australia (UWA), announces plans to hold a public forum on the issue of isolation of nuclear waste later this year. Yet another scientist loses credibility and is bought out by Pangea.
April 28 - Heathgate announce the awarding of a massive bore hole drilling contract for the start of commercial development at Beverley, despite no final approvals from Senator Nick Minchin (expected to be merely a paperwork formality). They refuse to name the company, but of course!
April 28 - National High School student walkout over Jabiluka, with Peter Garrett addressing the Adelaide protest and urging everyone to protest more and in the strongest possible sense at every aspect of the nuclear industry.
April 27 - The Democrats finally succeed in establishing a Senate Inquiry into Jabiluka, with Independents Harradine and Colston voting with the ALP.
April 23 - Laverton Shire Council admits it is investigating the pros and cons of having an international radioactive waste facility in the area - the Pangea entangled web grows.
April 22 - Aborigines from Central Australia, who are still suffering sickness from the Maralinga nuclear tests, express deep concern over the proposed Pangea international nuclear waste dump, as well as the Billa Kalina national nuclear waste dump.
April 21 - Heathgate admit they are still waiting final approvals for Beverley, including Minchin's signature and foreign investment approvals - all expected to be a simple formality of course!
April 21 - SA Premier John Olsen admits that talks are still continuing over the power supply to Olympic Dam. He admits that yet another amendment to the Roxby Downs Indenture is "required" and negotiations are continuing.
April 20 - Pangea claim 35% support among the Australian community for their proposed waste dump. Federal Resources Minister, Nick Minchin, rejects the poll outright saying he knows you can manipulate the questions to get the result you want. Hmmmm.....
April 19 - An exclusive report by ABC's Four Corners program reveals the sickening extent of Pangea's proposal for an international nuclear waste dump. The "preferred" site is also shown.
April 16 - A mining lease was granted by the South Australian government for the Beverley ISL uranium mining project. The approvals for Foreign Investment are still forthcoming, although just a "formality" according to Chuck Foldenauer, Heathgate's public relations crony.
April 15 - Alleged Environment Minister Robert Hill, under the guise of Environment Australia, releases their report as a response to the World Heritage Bureau's condemnation of the Jabiluka project. It's glossy and nice and stuff - great propaganda standard indeed! The report is slammed by the Mirrar, the Democrats, the ALP and environment groups from across Australia.
April 13 - National day of action over Westpac's support and investment in ERA and North Ltd and thereby the Jabiluka project. One citizen is arrested in Brisbane, while two citizens are arrested in Sydney with Police using capsicum spray.
April 13 - The legal action taken by Arabunna elder, Kevin Buzzacott, against WMC and the Roxby Downs copper-uranium mine and the alleged genocide of the Arabunna people is referred to the Full Bench of the Federal Court, for hearing May.
April 13 - First media report : During rehabilitation works at Maralinga, which involve the little known technique of in-situ vitrification (heating the soil to melting point to make it glass), there is a large explosion with a blast radius of over 70 m. There is extremely little media coverage - a good case of media suppression ? The explosion actually happened 3 weeks earlier on March 21.....
April 11 - Rally held at the Lucas Heights or "Sydney" nuclear reactor - over ANSTO's indecent proposal for a new nuclear reactor.
April 8 - Due to ongoing problems of negotiation over the proposed national low-level nuclear waste dump in South Australia and the puish by Pangea for a high-level international nuclear dump, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM) is withholding the report from an Aboriginal heritage survey of possible sites from the Federal Government.
April 7 - Alleged Environment Minister announces $6 million dollars worth of grants to renewable energy projects - including capital for a new titanium oxide solar cell pilot plant in Queanbeyan and a tidal wave energy power project in WA's far north. Geesh - you'd think Hill was actually starting to get the point.....
April 4 - Greens MP in WA, Giz Watson, uncovers proof that WA Premier Richard Court has known about the Pangea idea for a nuclear waste sacrifice zone for at least 2 years through one of his staffers, Ian Fletcher.
March 1999

March 31 - North Ltd Managing Director Malcolm Broomhead announces that he would be happy to meet with JAG representatives over their blocakde of North's head quarters and the proposed Jabiluka uranium mine. He says North is "proud" of what they do - what, the destruction of Kakadu and the trampling of Mirrar rights ? Yeah right.
March 31 - The Australian Medical Association (AMA) announces their full support for the new Sydney reactor at Lucas Heights.
March 31 - Alleged Deputy Prime Minister, Tim Fischer, describes the proposed new reactor at Lucas Heights as a (quote) "beautiful boutique reactor" (end quote).
March 31 - Queensland Mines Minister, Tony McGrady, slams Summit Resources, saying "They have no leases, they simply have permission to look around to see what is available and it's about time that these people stopped trying to mislead the people of Queensland".
March 31 - Groups in Sydney and all over Australia slam Alleged Environment Minister Hill for approving a nuclear time bomb in suburban Sydney at Lucas Heights.
March 30 - - Cameco Australia, subsidiary of giant Canadian uranium miner Cameco, announces a $4 million uranium exploration program in Arnhem Land, NT, and Western Australia for 1999.
March 30 - At 10:30pm a pipe explosion occured at the new smelter at Olympic Dam, only 4 days after the Prime Minister opened the expanded project. WMC said they would have to take it off line indefinitely, with the damage running into millions of $$$.
March 30 - Summit Resources propagate media myths about their plans to sue the Queensland government for denying permission to develop the Valhalla uranium deposit, near Mt Isa.
March 30 - Dr Charles McCombie, one of Pangea's "thinktank" scientists on nuclear waste dumps, admits that director James Voss lied about meetings between Pangea and the government in Dec. 1998.
March 30 - Alleged Environment Minister Robert Hill gives the green light for the new reactor at Lucas Heights, despite a flawed EIS and community opposition.
March 29 - Blockade of North Ltd's head quarters in Melbourne begins.
March 28 - Palm Sunday rallies held across Australia to oppose the nuclear industry, uranium mining, nuclear reactors, weapons, and support peace! Reviving a great traditional rally from the 1970's and early 1980's.
March 26 - Arabunna elder, Kevin Buzzacott, begins an action in the Supreme Court alleging that Alleged Environment Minister Robert Hill and Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer are contributing to the genocide of the Arabunna people by supporting the Olympic Dam copper-uranium mine and failing to list Lake Eyre as World Heritage.
March 26 - Prime Minister John Howard opens the new expansion at Olympic Dam, saying it would irresponsible of our generation if we did not exploit Australia's mineral wealth. Okay, nice to know how high the corruption and support for uranium really goes......
March 24 - Alleged Forests and Conservation Minister, Wilson Tuckey, admits he met with Pangea over their ridiculous proposal for a nuclear waste dump in Australia in Nov. 1998 - one month before it became public knowledge Pangea's preferred site was somewhere in South or Western Australia.
March 24 - Sutherland Shire Council calls on the Federal Government to conduct a public inquiry into its plans to build a new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights.
March 20 - Dr Helen Caldicott's RadioActive Alert Symposium closes in Canberra, ACT, being a great success.
March 19 - The public relations war over Beverley continues, with the government on the back foot for its support of the controversial project.
March 19 - Dr Helen Caldicott's RadioActive Alert Symposium begins in Canberra, ACT. The conference is looking at the broad range of nuclear issues including Y2K, Uranium, Nuclear War, Low Level Radiation, Radioactive Waste.
March 18 - Coalition government re-affirms its undying support to sacrifice Kakadu and the Mirrar, ie - there crony ERA and its proposed Jabiluka mine.
March 18 - Environment groups, Labour and the Democrats all join in condmening Hill's approval of Beverley, arguing that it increases the likelihood of an international nuclear waste dump in Australia - a claim (alleged) Prime Minister John Howard rejects.
March 18 - (Alleged) Environment Minister Robert Hill gives the final green light for development of the proposed Beverley ISL uranium mine in SA. He says he is "absolute confident" that the mine is safe. Yeah, right - as if anyone believes a lawyer.
March 12 - The South Australian Art Gallery, after an action by the local Jabiluka Action Group, announces it will re-consider its investment in North Ltd and Jabiluka.
March 11 - Summit Resources confirms it is still lobbying the Queensland government over its failed efforts to develop the Valhalla uranium deposit, near Mt Isa.
March 11 - (Alleged) Environment Minister Robert Hill announces the government has changed tack on Jabiluka by writing to UNESCO asking for a new panel of independent experts to be appointed, since the two advisory bodies to UNESCO are biased and not objective.
March 11 - ANSTO tries to calm public outrage over accidents at Lucas Heights and worker's radiation exposures. They claim that being exposed to a spent nuclear fuel rod is safe and that the release of radioactive elements from their medical isotope facility posed no public health danger. Yeah, right. Meanwhile, NSW Premier Bob Carr is demanding answers despite the fact that the NSW government has no power over the federal facility.
March 10 - The Democrats announce that they believe (alleged) Environment Minister Robert Hill has failed to follow a Senate order by not tabling all documents over Jabiluka.
March 9 - The German Greens, at their Annual Conference, allow Mirrar representatives to lobby the German government to ban Australian uranium imports - especially from Jabiluka - a position likely to be adopted.
March 8 - Hill supposedly tables all government documents on Jabiluka since October 1998. Hill claims that the government is having to waste $1 million on their dirty tricks Kakadu campaign, money they would prefer to be spending on actual World Heritage projects.
March 8 - Jailed Mirrar activists Jacqui Katona and Christine Christopherson, it's revealed, is being treated well in prison - recognised by fellow inmates as a "prisoners of conscience".
March 6 - Nuclear-powered ships anchor close to Hobart.
March 5 - The Federal government announces that its policy remains unchanged and it will not allow any international nuclear waste dump.
March 4 - Federal Labour Leader, Kim Beazley, joins in rejecting Pangea's ludicrous High-Level Nuclear Waste Dump proposal, saying "People who decide that they want nuclear power ought to be able to deal with the product the waste themselves, or not have it."
March 2 - David Reese, Australia's former ambassador for disarmament during 1989-90, writes an editorial in Melbourne newspaper, The Age, arguing that Australia's best contribution to non-proliferation would be to accept the world's plutonium and nuclear wastes. Reese, of course, is a consultant and cronie for Pangea.
March 2 - Pangea Resources submit their proposal to the Federal government for an international High Level Nuclear Waste Dump in Western Australia, just 100 km away from the South Australian border. Pangea say they are seeking high-level government intervention to "avoid red-tape".
March 2 - A Darwin's womens group, Women's Embassy Action Group, announces that Jacqui Katona has been nominated for their Women's Achievement Award.
March 1 - Women's vigil begins outside Darwin's Berrimah prison in support of Jacqui Katona and Christine Christopherson.
February 1999

February 26 - The NT Police arrest Jacqui Katona, Mirrar spokesperson, and another traditional owner from the Kakadu region, Christine Christopherson, and say they will spend 12 days in jail. They have refused to pay their fines for the trespass convictions from their action on May 5 on the Jabiluka lease. The arrests receive widespread condemnation across Australia and internationally.
February 24 - The Jabiluka Action Group is presented with the inaugural Freedom from Violence award at a ceremony in Canberra.
February 24 - Coober Pedy mayor, Eric Malliotis, announces that he angrily opposes an international nuclear waste dump in the region.
February 23 - Traditional owners of Coober Pedy vow a bitter fight against any radioactive waste dump on their traditional lands.
February 23 - The appeal by Yvonne Margarula against her tresspas conviction continues in a Darwin court.
February 22 - Democrats uncover documents that show the British government is the major investor in Pangea Resources - the company setup to push the interntaional nuclear free-for-all in South Australia and Western Australia. The UK-government owned nuclear failure, British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL), happily admit their involvement - they need a site since the Nirex dump site in the UK was stopped by local opposition. BNFL's $13 million investment in Pangea was effectively spare change they said.
February 21 - More than 350 citizens peacefully protest against Jabiluka outside Parliament House in Adelaide, coinciding with the massive international Womad world music festival.
February 18 - The Senate orders the government to make public its documents concerning the lobbying strategy for Jabiluka.
February 18 - Despite intense lobbying by Summit Resources and cohorts, Queensland Premier Peter Beattie stands solidly by his government's opposition to uranium mining, saying he is a staunch supporter of Labour's no new uranium mines policy.
February 17 - The Mirrar and Democrats criticise the government's dirty lobbying for votes campaign - arguing it will only harm Australia's international standing.
February 16 - Queensland Mines Minister, Tony McGrady, admits being approached to develop uranium mines for at least two sites in Queensland - despite the crystal clear position of the Queensland government opposing any new uranium mine or other aspect of the nuclear fuel cycle. One site was at Valhalla near Mt Isa, where Summit Resources in Joint Venture with Resolute Ltd are pushing extremely hard to develop a new mine. The other was presumably Ben Lomond, near Townsville.
February 16 - Federal Labour uncover government documents showing that the government is engaged in a dirty political campaign to lobby foreign governments over Jabiluka. The lobbying is designed to buy votes - not address the scientific bias Hill accused UNESCO of basing their Kakadu assessment on. The government simply claims it is protecting the "national interest". It is also revealed that the government has already spent over $1 million on the campaign, and costs are expected to increase.
February 15 - Paediatrician, scientist and anti-nuclear expert Dr Helen Caldicott raises continuing scientific concerns over the long-term health effects of low-level radiation exposure.
February 10 - Federal government offer to fast-track health and housing assistance for traditional owners of the Kakadu region - a proposal the Mirrar think might be linked to co-operation of the Jabiluka mine. Meanwhile, Hill storms out of a meeting on the fate of joint management of Kakadu National Park - where the Mirrar attended to present their ongoing concerns over the mine and sacred sites.
February 9 - WMC annouce yet another cost blowout for the Olympic Dam expansion - with total costs about $1.94 billion. The new copper smelter was now in operation, and all new process facilities were expected to be operational very soon.
February 9 - The new Chief Minister of the NT, Denis Burke, announces major changes to the NT cabinet. The surprise was the dismissal of failed Resources minister Eric Poole, who lost all of his portfolios. Poole had actively facilitated the approvals and supposed environmental assessment process for Jabiluka.
February 8 - Yvonne Margarula ordered to pay all legal costs for the unsuccessful challenge against the validity of ERA's mining lease at Jabiluka.
February 8 - Shane Stone, Chief Minister of the NT, announces his stepping down from the role as his party was set to remove him from leader due to his failure in the NT Statehood referendum. Federal ALP leader labels Stone divisive politics bad for the NT and he is glad to see him go.
February 3 - The newly elected leader of the NT Labour party immediately announces a review of that branch's support of Jabiluka - with a probable view to opposing the proposed mine.
February 3 - A lawyer representing the Maralinga-Tjarutja people claims the former village used for the nuclear weapons test program at Maralinga could be turned into a tourist resort!
January 1999

January 22 - ERA announce a 50% drop in profits, blaming the severely depressed uranium market.
January 21 - ANSTO release their Supplementary EIS for the new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, Sydney. The government announce their continued support for the reactor - so much for a rigorous public environmental assessment process!
January 21 - The federal government announce the delay of a formal decision for the preferred site within the Billa Kalina region for the national low-level radioactive waste dump.
January 21 - A Darwin magistrate defends claims that Jabiluka arrestees are trying to clog up and waste the court's time, stating that all citizens are entitled to their day in court. Meanwhile, the remaining charges against others are considering being dropped due to the furthercosts involved.
January 20 - For the case of Benjamin Wall from Tasmania, biologist Grusha Leeman said the mine's pollutants would cause mass changes to the natural ecology of Kakadu and some species of plants and animals would not survive. When the judge tried to dismiss the scientist's advice, Leeman strongly argued that "pathways formed by walkers could be regenerated, and contaminated waterways could not."
January 20 - A further 118 citizens arrested during the Jabiluka blockade, scheduled to appear in a Darwin court, have their cases adjourned as protestors demand individual hearings. As part of their defence, Dr Phillip Nitschke, a voluntary euthanasia campaigner, argued that the blockade was justified due to the radiation workers and the public receive from a uranium mine. Nitschke argues the dangers of radioactive radon gas and quotes the fact that a study showed 40% of Radium Hill workers died of lung cancer.
January 18 - Jacqui Katona, spokesperson for the Mirrar, calls the government's and Hill's behaviour towards the UN disgraceful.
January 18 - The government claims that the UN is simply "overwhelmed" by the cultural issues in Kakadu - which impaired their judgement during their visit in October 1998. In the same announcement, Hill attempts to promote myths about a report arguing that mining is compatible with World Heritage areas.
January 18 - A Darwin court hears the charges against 70 citizens arrested during the Jabiluka blockade.
January 12 - ERA announce that they will postpone the commencement of milling Jabiluka ore until 2001, to allow more time for negotiations with the Mirrar traditional owners and to pray for the uranium market to recover by that time.
January 11 - The Australian government follows the British government and announces its own study into effects on veterans of nuclear weapons testing, but excludes effects on local Aboriginal communities. Lawyers representing the veterans fear the inquiry will just be another whitewash and none of the serious issues will be addressed.
January 10 - The British government announces it is launch a new inquiry into the cancer rates among nuclear weapons testing veterans - although it will only look at British veterans and not effects on Australian veterans or local Aborigines.
January 6 - A representative of the Adnyamathanha - traditional owners of the Gammon Ranges - say they share the Democrats' concerns over the proposed development of Beverley.
January 6 - Democrats Environment Spokesperson, Andrew Bartlett, says they will take their deep concerns over the proposed Beverley and Honeymoon mines overseas, to try and prevent the mine from going ahead. Of particular concern is the potential to contaminate the Great Artesian Basin and surrounding groundwater resources.
January 1 - Secret federal Cabinet papers during 1969 revealed from the National Archives on New Year's day demonstrate that Australia came extremely close to obtaining nuclear weapons.

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Page last updated January 7, 2001.
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