Toxic feelings at proposed nuclear dump

Lindsay Murdoch in Tennant Creek
October 29, 2007

ABORIGINAL landowners surrounding the proposed site of Australia's first nuclear dump have changed their minds about allowing access to trucks carrying waste as bitter argument rages among indigenous groups about the Federal Government's plans.

"I won't sign any agreement because my mob disagrees with building the dump there," said Sammy Sambo, senior elder of the Milwayi clan, which owns the only road to the site in Muckaty, a former cattle station 120 kilometres north of Tennant Creek.

"We are upset about the way those government fellas have gone about trying to convince us and are confused and worried about what to do next."

Elders of two Aboriginal clans owning parts of Muckaty, including land adjoining the site, have told the Herald they have not been properly consulted, contradicting the federal Science Minister, Julie Bishop, who said last month she was satisfied that potentially affected Aboriginal groups have had "adequate opportunity to express their views".

To read the full article from the Sydney Morning Herald, click on:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/toxic-feelings-over-dump/2007/10/28/1193555533389.html