Rollback the Intervention

Excerpt from speech by Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson for Indigenous Affairs

The Australian Greens today remain united and steadfast in our opposition to the approach taken by the NT intervention.

We were the only Party to stand up as one in the Australian Parliament to condemn the intervention when it was announced … and we have maintained and continue to maintain our opposition …

• to the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act,
• to compulsory seizures of lands,
• to indiscriminate quarantining of welfare
• and to the trampling of the human rights of Aboriginal people in the NT

We call today on the Rudd Government and on the Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin to admit they'd made a mistake in backing the rushed approach taken by the Northern Territory Intervention.

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Cameco - should we let them near our water catchment????

Cameco Q & A ASTC Aldermen and the Mayor:
www.netgrrl.com.au/June16

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At la Alice Springs Town Council Committee Meeting on June 16 2008, I put the following question to the Regional Manager of Cameco, the company applying to the NT Government for a uranium exploration license just 20km from Alice Springs and over our water catchment area:

Given two very recent examples of unresolved environmental damage caused by Cameco’s mining operations;

Firstly - Cameco’s underground uranium mine at Cigar Lake in Sasketchewan Canada completely flooded with water in October 23 2006 and you continue to have the entire mine shut down and not operating despite it containing 17% of the world's known uranium reserves, almost two years later;

and Secondly – Cameco suspended operations at the Port Hope Nuclear Plant in July 2007 noting soil contamination and now some 12 months later it has been revealed this has leaked into one of North America's largest bodies of fresh water, the Great Lake, Lake Ontario;

how can you guarantee the mine will not be flooded and how can you guarantee the underground water on which Alice Springs' very existence depends will not be contaminated even by the substantial drilling involved in exploration to the satisfaction of the many people now aware of Cameco's past record?

Their response including Q's from other Aldermen and the Mayor:

www.netgrrl.com.au/June16

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Cameco to speak to Alice Springs Town Council

Please note the following agenda item. Alice Springs Town Council Technical Services Committee meeting Monday 16 June 5.15pm

Item 6: Deputations

6.1 Deputation by Jennifer Parks, Regional Director Cameco
To provide a
background briefing on the Angela deposit and respond to any queries from
Aldermen about uranium exploration

Please note that questions can be raised from the gallery in Item 2 of the agenda

Green to head up Environment Committee

Alice Springs Town Council has unanimously elected Greens Alderman Jane Clark to chair the newly formed Environment Advisory Committee.

Terms of Reference for the EAC are to provide advice and make formal recommendation on public policy in matters relating to the sustainable management of resources and the natural environment in the municipality of the Town of Alice Springs including:

• Consider issues that relate to waste management relevant to Council functions.
• Support Council with initiatives to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
• Contribute to the improved water usage measures of the town.
• Ensure that Council's natural environment is protected and rehabilitated.
• Assist with development of educational mediums to raise the awareness of sustainable resource management and environmental issues.
• Other matters referred to it by Council.

Ald Clark said,"Local Governments across Australia are embracing the 'think globally, act locally' approach to sustainability and management of waste. I look forward to working on a range of issues, and to stimulating debate about ways to take action for the positive benefit of our local environment."

"I was disappointed that, on the same night, Council voted not to discuss my motion supporting the May 7 public meeting recommendations opposing the grant of a Uranium exploration licence less than 25km from Alice Springs Council Chambers. Many residents are concerned about the impact on our health, lifestyle and tourism industry and Aldermen need to make their position clear on this issue."


Contact: Jane Clark 0417864935 jane.clark@nt.greens.org.au

means testing for solar panel rebates

In the recent budget, the Federal Government has changed the $8000 Solar Panel rebate restricting availablity to households with an income less than $100K.

Currently, Alice Springs is funded under the Solar Cities Project which does not require means testing. This is good news for Alice residents along with the other incentives on offer.

Other areas of Australia fall under the PVRP (Photo Voltaic Rebate Plan) which is now means tested.

To sign up with Solar Cities visit http://www.alicesolarcity.com.au/

ABC News Article re PVRP reduction of service

Alice Springs High School

Talking today at Alice Springs High School about Local Government, Life in Politics and The Greens.

Other meetings attended this week:

Consultation about the CBD redevelopment

Alice Springs Town Council Committee Meetings

Consultation about the IT/Creative Community Business Cluster

Community Gardens - final touch ups to the prospectus