Traditional Owners from the East Pilbara and the Goldfields arrive in Perth for meetings with Members of Parliament and to hold a series of public forums supported by the Conservation Council of WA and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The visit coincides with the annual meetings of uranium hopefuls Vimy Resources – with plans to mine uranium at Mulga Rock – and Goldfields-based Toro Energy. Representatives will attend the AGMs to raise concerns directly with company executives and shareholders and speak with media.
The WA Government is currently considering three uranium mine proposals at Wiluna, Mulga Rock and Yeelirrie. Environment groups and communities are concerned these projects are being ‘fast tracked’ through the inadequate environmental assessment process, in a bid to get State Government approval before the March 2017 election.
Despite eight years of pro-uranium State Government rule, there are no fully approved or operating uranium mines in WA. Uranium mining lacks bipartisan support in the State, with the Greens and Labor opposed to WA unviable. The lack of political and wider public support, and the depressed uranium price are all major constraints on the sector.
The events this week seek to highlight continuing community opposition to uneconomic, unpopular and unsafe plans to mine uranium in WA.
Public Forum – “Community Voices”
Wednesday 16 November 6pm – 8pm
Fremantle Navy Club, 64 High Street, Fremantle
Hosted by Dave Sweeney of the Australian Conservation Foundation, featuring speakers from Parnngurr, Leonora, Laverton and Kalgoorlie.
Action for a Nuclear Free Future
Friday 18 November 10.30am - 11.30am
10 Kings Park Road, West Perth to Parliament House, West Perth
People will hand out information to shareholders of the Vimy Resources Annual General Meeting before progressing to Parliament, to demonstrate opposition to uranium mining in WA.