The Queensland Greens have pointed to Barry O’Farrell’s moves to permit uranium exploration in New South Wales as further evidence of the old parties’ ambivalence on this issue, and called again on the LNP to clarify its position on uranium mining in Queensland.
‘Barry O’Farrell said before he took office that he would not permit uranium exploration in NSW, but now that he’s the Premier he’s changed his mind,’ said Queensland Greens spokesperson and candidate for Mt Coot-tha, Adam Stone.
‘Campbell Newman has only said that the LNP have “no plans for uranium mines in Queensland at this time”, so what should Queenslanders expect at a different time – for example, after he takes office?’
‘Queensland is already in the nonsensical position that NSW is aiming for – we permit uranium exploration but refuse to allow it to be mined. To remove any doubt about the future of the uranium industry in Queensland, exploration should stop and all parties should categorically state that they will not permit uranium mining in Queensland.’
‘That is certainly the Greens’ position, and we are the only party that is 100% clear and consistent on this question at all levels of public office. The ALP have said that they will not remove the uranium mining ban in Queensland, but federally they are moving to expand export markets for Australian uranium. Katter party MP Shane Knuth has expressed support for uranium mining in his electorate.’
‘But with the Greens, Queenslanders have a guaranteed nuclear-free home for their vote.’
For more information contact Adam Stone 0417 629 852
Refers to (O'Farrell and uranium exploration in NSW) http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nsw-cabinet-backs-uranium-exploration-20120214-1t3zw.html
(Campbell Newman's comments on uranium mining in Qld) http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-16/no-plan-to-change-lnp-uranium-policy/3673946