Through Balanda Eyes

DON'T MUCK UP
THE McARTHUR!

The McArthur River Mine is situated upstream of Borroloola. An underground mine has operated there for some time, with various failures in containing pollution. Now there is a proposal to build an open-cut mine in the riverbed itself. The company are proposing that the river can be diverted but this is an extremely unlikely scenario given that flooding is a natural part of the hydrology of the area and much of the land is actually below the flood line.







My Thoughts
The word sustainable is lobbed around by politicians as if they have a crystal ball that subjectively deletes any negative effects of their actions!
Is the sustainability of our economy based only on a series of short-term profits? Are mining leases granted in the name of the national economy regardless of damage caused to an ecosystem that has successfully sustained the lives of people for tens of thousands of years?

Last night’s meeting at the Groove has prompted me into action. The organisers from the WWF and Environment Centre provided various pieces of information but it was later speakers who emphasized the need for action to be taken now, before it is too late. One man said it's time for the people (traditional owners) to stand up. I hope we all do! I hope this is only the beginning and that the people make a very strong demonstration to the government about how we feel about the way our natural resources are plundered!

Barbara McCarthy made a very moving and forceful speech that was absolutely inspirational. She challenged the government to consider the folly of allowing a mining company to pollute a valuable freshwater system at a time when we are on the brink of a worldwide freshwater crisis. Congratulations Barbara you are a person of strength and integrity your courage to speak against the short-term profit chasers is valiant example we all should follow. Keep it up hopefuly other members of the government will see reason. You have shown us without a doubt that you are there for the people.

The governments consideration of this outrageous plan makes it obvious that short-term profit making takes precedence over the future needs of the people of this country. Do the Territory and Federal Governments see the environment as worth no more than what it costs to circumvent bureaucratic red tape!

If you want to know more check out the Environment Centre NT website:
http://www.ecnt.org/html/cur_mining_mcarthur.html