Qld uranium may go through Barrier Reef | Eco News

The new uranium mining committee set up by Queensland?s conservative Liberal National Party state government has said all export options are on the table, including shipping it out through ports on the Great Barrier Reef.

The comments come as the United Nations environmental arm, UNESCO, considers whether to list the reef as a World Heritage site in danger and amidst strong criticism from environmentalists.

In a report earlier this year, UNESCO identified shipping as one of the most pressing threats to the reef?s future.

The Queensland government this month lifted a long-standing ban on the mining of uranium in Queensland, despite saying before and after the March election it had no plans to do so.

The LNP Premier Campbell Newman has named a five-member panel to oversee the recommencement of the industry, including looking at how the uranium will be exported.

Committee chairman and Central Highlands councillor Paul Bell says all options are being examined, including shipping it from ports adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier reef.

Most of the state?s uranium deposits are in the north of the state and Mr Bell says both Townsville and Cairns could be used to export uranium.

?We haven?t seen any significant reaction to any of the options that we?ve probably started to look at in regards to ports, or the way in which uranium transport would be carried out in Queensland,? he told ABC News.

?It?s still very early days but we think all options should be investigated.?

Mr Bell also said the committee would look at whether uranium could be transported to the Adelaide to Darwin rail line, for export through either of those cities.

He said the committee would be talking with the South Australian and Northern Territory governments about that option.

?The discussions we?ll be having ? will be about ?how do you feel about increased tonnage coming through your place??.?

He said any reluctance would give the committee the impetus to have further discussions about the use of Queensland ports.

In a June report, UNESCO was highly critical of Australia?s management of the Great Barrier Reef.

It said coastal development, ports and shipping were among the most pressing threats, and there was no overall plan for the future sustainable development of the reef.

The Queensland and federal governments are currently compiling a strategic assessment of the entire reef area in response to UNESCO?s concerns.

It?s due to be presented to the UN body early next year.

Environmental activists say the new uranium committee is a stunt to fast-track mining of the ?toxic? substance.

The Wilderness Society?s Tim Seelig says the so-called ?world?s best practice? environmental and safety standards won?t count for anything if there is an accident during mining or transportation of uranium.

?There is no guaranteed safe extraction and movement of uranium,? Dr Seelig said in a statement.

?This is an industry that relies on crossed fingers and permanent good luck that nothing unexpected happens.?

Dr Seelig called into question the makeup of the committee and said members would fast-track uranium mining.

The Australian Conservation Foundation?s Dave Sweeney called on Mr Newman to back up his claim that uranium exports will earn Queensland tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades, providing thousands of jobs.

?Premier Newman?s claims run counter to the reality of the uranium sector in Australia,? Mr Sweeney said.

?Kakadu uranium miner Energy Resources of Australia has lost more than $180 million and BHP Billiton has walked away from its long-held plan for a massive expansion of the Olympic Dam mine in South Australia.?

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Source: http://econews.com.au/news-to-sustain-our-world/qld-uranium-may-go-through-barrier-reef/

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