In March this year, a summit of Torres Strait Islanders resolved to ban commercial fishing in their “sea country” and this ban could soon extend across northern Australia. While not legally enforceable, it is an assertion by the traditional owners of their rights over the waters they’ve fished and looked after for thousands of years…. Read more »
environment
Finish the fight to stop Jabiluka!
The fight to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine is close to victory. Rio Tinto, the new owner which took over North Limited, has announced that the mine will not be developed without the consent of the Aboriginal owners. The Mirrar people, led by feisty senior custodian Yvonne Margarula and activist Jacquie Katona, are rock solid… Read more »
Bitter Harvest: The Legacy of the Snowy Mountains Scheme
Politics and water are intimately related in Australia, the driest inhabited continent. For example, after a close election, Victoria now has a minority ALP government, supported by rural independents. One of these, Craig Ingram, gained his seat on the basis of a single issue — restoring some of the flow of the Snowy River. Steve… Read more »
Jabiluka Must Not Proceed!
The international spotlight is on Australia. The Howard government is hell-bent on allowing construction of the Jabiluka uranium mine at the Kakadu National Park. The United Nations World Heritage Committee has threatened to place Kakadu on the “World Heritage in danger list.” It has given the Howard government until April 15 to prove scientifically that… Read more »