By Tom Flanagan
DARWIN — The traditional owners of the site of the proposed Jabiluka uranium mine are calling on people to join the blockade to stop construction of the mine. A statement says: "Mirrar people have fought to protect the country and people from uranium mining for many years. Now, we are defending our country against the proposed Jabiluka uranium mine. We invite you to come to our country to join our struggle to uphold the cultural and environmental values of Kakadu."
The blockade will begin on March 23 and continue until the mine is stopped. While the aim is to stop construction, blockade activities will act as a focus for wider public education on the issues raised by Jabiluka. This activism and public awareness will exert pressure on politicians and their parties to oppose uranium mining, and to implement their policies if elected.
The Coalition Against Uranium Mining, as well as preparing the blockade, has stepped up activities around Darwin. On February 13, it staged a mock uranium spill at a city intersection to emphasise the hazards posed by transporting uranium from the existing Ranger uranium mine in Kakadu to the Darwin port for export.
Spokesperson Kirsten Blair said, "One accident and Darwin residents could be exposed to extreme levels of radiation". The proposed Jabiluka mine would produce 90,400 tonnes of uranium oxide over 28 years, all of which would be transported through Darwin, she said.
From Brisbane, Tim Walgers reports, 300 people attended a public meeting on February 10 to discuss the campaign to stop the mine. David Bradbury's documentary, Jabiluka, was shown. Special guests at the meeting were Mirrar elder Yvonne Maragula, Mirrar spokesperson Jacqui Katona and entertainer Margret Roadknight.
Katona spoke about the connection between the attack on land rights and the environmental destruction the mine will cause. She said there needed to be a broad campaign to stop the mine, in conjunction with the blockade at the site.
Katona said that the student movement had been invaluable in the campaign and that other organisations, especially trade unions, should also take a stance.