With Queensland elections set for September 9, I am seeking clarification of your position on uranium mining in Queensland. I am concerned that uranium mining is set to expand in Queensland if policy changes and I think this presents too great a risk to Queenslands water resources and environmental health.

I think much of the ‘debate’ on the expansion of uranium mining in Queensland is based on false assumptions that nuclear power is an answer to climate change, that there is an expanding uranium market, that better safeguards will ensure that Queensland uranium will not add to nuclear proliferation, and that Queensland will not be pressured to accept nuclear waste in the future.

These misconceptions fail to put into context the enormous social and environmental cost of the nuclear industry. The nuclear industry has a long history of accidents involving workers, the community, and the environment. Uranium mining, in particular, poses a great threat to one of Queenland’s most precious resources - water.

Water and uranium mining: Uranium mining is a water intensive industry - as is nuclear power.   The Olympic Dam uranium mine in SA uses up to 42,000,000 litres of water per day in its operations.  (The average Australian uses 1,000,000 litres per year.)   After its use in uranium mining, the water is left radioactive and unusable. With water restrictions in place, Queensland can’t afford to put its water at risk.

Recent polling shows that the majority of respondents support a position of either no uranium mines or no new uranium mines in Australia.

I ask you to publicly endorse the joint statement of Queensland and national environmental organisations on the issues, namely:

- A prohibition on the development of any uranium mines in Queensland and exclusion of uranium exploration in mining exploration leases and permits
- Opposition to the export of uranium from Australia and instead support Australia’s potential as a world leader in renewable energy
- Opposition to the establishment of a national radioactive dump in Queensland (or anywhere in Australia)
- Legislation to preclude the construction of any uranium processing facilities or nuclear power plants in Queensland

I look forwards to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

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