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New South Wales Parliament overturns uranium exploration ban

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/new-south-wales-parliament-overturns-uranium-exploration-ban-2012-03-29

By: Esmarie Swanepoel
29th March 2012


PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The legislation to lift a ban on uranium exploration in New South Wales has passed through the state Parliament, with a 20 to 18 win in the Upper House.

In February, Premier Barry O’Farrell said it was time for New South Wales to join the mining boom, with the first step to be the establishment of the size, quality and location of any potential uranium deposits in the state.

The legislation to allow for uranium exploration was passed through the state Parliament, despite opposition from Greens and Labour representatives.

New South Wales Resources Minister Chris Hartcher said that overturning the ban delivered a new opportunity to create an industry, which would give the state economy a boost.

“This is great news for New South Wales. We must look for every opportunity to join the resource boom under way in Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia,” Hartcher said.

“Overturning the ban on uranium exploration brings New South Wales into line with all other states, excluding Victoria. This sends a message to potential investors in the state that we are supportive of resource investment.”

While the decision to overhaul the uranium exploration legislation has previously been lauded by industry bodies, environmental organisations have been less than happy with the state Parliament’s decision.

The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales, as well as other national environmental groups, have called for an independent public review into uranium mining in the state, saying O’Farrell had no mandate to change the policy banning uranium projects in the state.

The Nature Conservation Council criticised O’Farrell for not taking the issue to the local communities during the state election period, saying he had no mandate for an initiative that would have such a long-term impact on society and the environment.

“Since Premier O’Farrell announced his intention to open up uranium exploration in this state, thousands of people have signed a petition calling on the government to maintain the uranium ban,” said Council representative Pepe Clarke.

“We urge the government, opposition and crossbench MPs to support a full, robust and independent inquiry into the ramifications of opening up New South Wales to uranium exploration and mining,” Clarke said.

“Premier O’Farrell has said this is not about mining, but about exploration and gathering evidence, so we trust he will support a full, robust and independent inquiry to examine the adequacy of New South Wale’s regulatory regimes, the experience of uranium mining in other jurisdictions and the views of relevant stakeholders,” added the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Dave Sweeney.
Edited by: Mariaan Webb