nuclear-news

Australia’s anti uranium protestors were no bludgers, as BHP would call them

many of the group.. had taken leave without pay to travel to Roxby Downs to spread their message.

“There are other alternatives (to uranium for power) and I think an event like this can bring that more into discussion.”

We’re no bludgers, say mine protesters, Ben Hyde, The Advertiser July 20, 2012 THEY came from interstate and even overseas to protest against uranium mining, and some could be camped on the doorstep of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine for another two weeks. The group of Lizard’s Revenge protesters, which peaked at about 400 activists last weekend, were an eclectic bunch, united in their anti-nuclear stance.

Some admitted to being on the dole, and even yelled to mine workers
and associated contractors during their demonstrations that they too
should join the queue. But one of the demonstrators, Bernadette
McKenna, said the perception all protesters were dole bludgers was
false.

She said many of the group, like herself, had taken leave without pay
to travel to Roxby Downs to spread their message.

“This is not the radical fringe, these are representative of the
broader Australian community. Many Australians don’t want the nuclear
industry expanded.”

Ella, who travelled from Germany via Sydney for the protest, said she
felt compelled to be involved. “It’s really important that we find a
way of living which is sustainable,” she said. “In Germany, lots of
people are against nuclear energy.

“There are other alternatives (to uranium for power) and I think an event like this can bring that more into discussion.”

The activists went to Roxby Downs with the mission statement of
closing the mine down.

They succeeded in blocking Olympic Way, the main road into the mine,
several times, including more than four hours on Thursday when two
activists locked themselves to a truck. …..
BHP and Roxby Downs are hoping normality soon resumes, but the
activists are determined to keep pushing their message.

They could stay for three weeks legally on Crown land. Lizard’s
Revenge co-organiser Nectaria Calan said: “We are a non-hierarchical
structure so if people have energy to continue this protest we will
stay as long as we need to stay.”
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/were-no-bludgers-say-mine-protesters/story-e6frea83-1226431203110

July 21, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA, opposition to nuclear