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An interesting development
has occurred in WA as councils have responded to the threatened spread
of the nuclear industry. As well as the three dozen councils which have
declared themselves nuclear-free zones - as many councils in NSW and
South Australia have done - a handful of WA councils have been trying
to formalise this status via their TPSs (Town Planning Schemes).
Chapman Valley, Geraldton,
and Claremont have all submitted TPS amendments, which have not been
accepted by the Minister for Planning, Mr Kierath. Fremantle, Cottesloe,
Esperance, Chittering and perhaps more, are in various stages of the
TPS amendment process also. (Fremantle has a unique decision to make
this month, re the further hosting of civic receptions for crew of visiting
nuclear warships.)
On 8 August, at a briefing session held by the WAMA (WA Municipal Association)
on control and prohibition of nuclear activities, 50 councillors and
staff heard speakers from the Ministry of Planning, the Radiological
Council of WA and the Dept of Minerals & Energy. They also heard
from Minter Ellison lawyers, who have advised Chapman Valley that despite
the Minister’s rejection of the blanket prohibition of particular
activities in town planning schemes, it is their opinion that a Shire
can prohibit nuclear activities through its TPS.
The decision of this session was that WAMA should ask the Minister for
more detailed advice in writing. This advice, plus a response from Minter
Ellison, will be circulated in October to all WA councils with a survey
asking them how they want WAMA to pursue this matter. This process could
result in those councils keen to prohibit nuclear activity mounting
a joint legal challenge against the Minister's rejection of such amendments.
CANNWA has been liaising with WA
councils and has found that the TPS amendment route is weighing heavily
on some. Many Councils have adopted a wait and see approach re Chapman
Valley before making commitments themselves, a stance which has unfortunately
stifled community debate in this pre-election year.
While waiting for WAMA’s survey to reach your Council, we suggest
you let your Council know that Chapman Valley cannot mount this challenge
alone, and that you hope they will support strong action by WAMA when
called for. We urge you also to press for a Nuclear Free Zone declaration,
signage around town perhaps, and possible membership of the national
NFZ Secretariat (see below) Your attempts, whether successful or not,
will stimulate debate in the lead-up to an election in which West Australians
can lobby their politicians to guarantee that they will never allow
uranium mining or nuclear
waste dumping in this state.
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Nuclear-free
WA councils sought by national association
The national Local Government Nuclear-Free Zones and Toxic Industries
Secretariat - with member councils throughout the Eastern states - helps
to raise awareness and build solidarity for communities faced with one
or other arm of the nuclear industry. This body is keen that WA councils
join up with it. CANNWA is now suggesting councils join this national
body.
Call CANNWA for more info.
and support for approaching your Council and please let us know of any
developments in your neck of the woods: Tel 9271 4488 Fax 9271 9005 nfreewa@iinet.net.au
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