urg::: Qld Govt urged to reverse uranium ban

[Len Kanaar - FoE Sydney]

ABC Online

Last Update: Friday, September 9, 2005. 8:30am (AEST)
Qld Govt urged to reverse uranium ban

Queensland Liberal Senator Russell Trood says four uranium mines 
could begin production immediately if the State Government agreed to 
issue licences.

Senator Trood has called on the State Government to reverse its 
opposition to uranium mining.

Premier Peter Beattie has argued uranium development would undermine 
Queensland's coal industry.

But Senator Trood told Federal Parliament last night that millions of 
dollars would be invested in local communities and hundreds of jobs 
created if licences were granted.

He told Federal Parliament last night that the State had refused to 
issue licences although 32 uranium deposits have been identified.

"Four mines in north Queensland could begin production immediately if 
they were given the go-ahead," he said.

"Summit Resources, Laramide and Maple Minerals have all recently 
invested millions of dollars in future uranium mining prospects near 
Mt Isa, Georgetown and Townsville.

"It would serve to meet the growing demand for uranium on the world 
market, it would bring millions of dollars in investment to local 
communities, it would bring hundreds, perhaps thousands, of jobs to 
regional Queensland and help to underpin its long term future."

But Mr Beattie and union leaders have rejected the call.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union has backed the 
Government's opposition to mining.

Union state secretary Andrew Dettmer says there is no economic need 
with the issue being settled for some years within the ALP.

"But if people within the Labor Party, especially some politicians, 
believe that uranium mining has to be put back on the political 
agenda, well I've got news for them," he said.

He says the expansion of other technologies such as solar power would 
create a lot more skilled jobs than mining.


© 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation