State of play - nuclear news to March 6th

AUSTRALIA

New South Wales. ANSTO quietly pushing for nuclear power in NSW. Govt is going to dump the Hunter’s Hill radioactive waste at Kemps Creek, despite their pre-election promise against this. Dear oh dear! We thought that Warren Mundine would be a bad (pro nuclear) choice for new Senator. But – equally bad, probably worse, the very prominent and prestigious Bob Carr (?best mate of Tony Abbott) is the new Senator. Carr has a record of opposing Aboriginal protest rights, as well as promoting nuclear power, and uranium mining for New South Wales

Uranium to India. Kim Beazley, Australia’s ambassador to USA, explains that Australia will sell uranium to India, even if it does go to nuclear weapons. You see, it’s important not to offend the Indians’ sensibilities by insisting on little fussy regulations like the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.

Lynas rare earths company is under fire in Australia, with the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia (ANAWA)’s motion to the EPA , questioning health and safety approvals for its Mt Weld mine. Malaysian govt directs Lynas to relocate its radioactive waste facility. A court hearing of Gebeng residents’ case against Lynas to be heard on March 20. Calls for independent monitoring of its radioactive wastes. Hackers break into Lynas’ website.

Astroturfing. Independent Australia’s Sandi Keane blows the whistle on the ‘community’ anti wind power groups in Victoria.

INTERNATIONAL

Iran. Israel steps up move to attack Iran, while Obama points out the disadvantages. Ultimately, Obama’s agreeing that military action is one option.

Fukushima. As the anniversary of the nuclear accident approaches, many revelations about both the initial story, and the present state, of the Fukushima disaster. A pretty damning report on the Japanese government’s hadndling of the accident, and on the secrecy and cover-ups. The present uncertain state of the reactors, and the perils for the low-paid workforce still grappling to contain the plant and its radiation . Equally uncertain, the masses of radioactive material to be cleared,but where to? TEPCO shareholders take legal action against TEPCO executives. Japan tightens radiation limits for foods.

UK closes its oldest reactor – huge indeterminate costs to bury it. Dilemmas over cost and politics of new reactors. Protestors campaign at Hinkley nuclear site.

Indian government getting lots of flack for its attack on non government organisations that oppose nuclear power, and anti nuclear Koodankulam protests continue, with several religions joining the protest.

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) “outs” the global financial firms that fund the nuclear weapons industry.

Pakistan test fires a nuclear capable missile.

Christina Macpherson
Antinuclear Australia

www.antinuclear.net

www.nuclear-news.net