Destruction of Country

Natalie Whiting from ABC Radio 'AM' reported this story on Thursday, April 14 [node:read-more:link]

An Aboriginal traditional owner from Broome has been moved on by police for blocking Buru Energy vehicles from accessing a gas fracking site. Last year 96 per cent of his people voted against the fracking program. John Howard recognised continuing First Nations sovereignty in his Ten Point Plan for limiting Native Title he introduced after the Wik decision, promising 'bucket loads of extinguishment' and that what we've got. Companies can destroy country and even though First Nations people are sovereign, they can't do anything about it, other than protesting. [node:read-more:link]

The Premier of Australia's wealthiest state Colin Barnett has, without notice or consultation, announced he is closing down 150 small towns in his state and has refused to meet the mayors or residents of these generally remote towns to discuss the matter. The Premier – Colin Barnett – said he had no other options after the Federal Government announced they would no longer fund essential services to the towns, instead providing a one-off payment of $90 million to the State Government to take responsibility. [node:read-more:link]

Just after the land used for nuclear testing was officially handed back to its traditional owners in full, nuclear is back on the agenda at Maralinga in South Australia. Those connected to the land are worried that a new Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission announced recently will see the land flagged as a potential site for a nuclear waste dump. The daughter of Mr Lester who was blinded by tests said they want to make a submission to the commission but is worried language difficulties would stand in their way. [node:read-more:link]