Mr WOOD - 2010-10-28
In response to my question yesterday on the Angela Pamela mine, you said a clear majority of people opposed the mine. The Chamber of Commerce and Cameco say exactly the opposite. Who is right? Do you have any figures to back up your statement?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I stand by my assertion. I know the member for Greatorex absolutely agrees with me, as does the member for Araluen, who very quickly acknowledged that the vast majority of people in Alice Springs would oppose an application to mine uranium at Angela Pamela. Over the last couple of years, as I have visited Alice Springs, opposition is across all sections of the community - not only the lefties and the greenies, but across all sections: the business community, the tourism industry, professional people in Alice Springs, as well as the usual suspects who campaign on this particular issue.
That was acknowledged by the member for Greatorex, who was up out of his chair in a shot, saying the Country Liberal Party stood shoulder to shoulder with the government on behalf of the people of Alice Springs. The new member for Araluen was right there beside him. Then, the weak Leader of the Opposition, after the lead had been taken by the member for Greatorex, was dragged into the spotlight to concede the overwhelming mood of the community in Alice Springs.
In regard to Cameco-Paladin, yes, I met with them recently with the Mines minister. We agree to disagree. I have seen a copy of that research undertaken by Cameco and Paladin. The question they asked was about exploration; it was not about mining. The results from that survey were essentially 50:50.
We stand by our decision. We support uranium mining in the Northern Territory, it is an important industry and it has a bright future. However, the people of Alice Springs do not want a uranium mine 20 km from their front door. I am pleased the members for Greatorex and Araluen were so quick to support the decision taken by the government. I was grateful to see the Leader of the Opposition belatedly come forward and also support his Central Australian colleagues.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I stand by my assertion. I know the member for Greatorex absolutely agrees with me, as does the member for Araluen, who very quickly acknowledged that the vast majority of people in Alice Springs would oppose an application to mine uranium at Angela Pamela. Over the last couple of years, as I have visited Alice Springs, opposition is across all sections of the community - not only the lefties and the greenies, but across all sections: the business community, the tourism industry, professional people in Alice Springs, as well as the usual suspects who campaign on this particular issue.
That was acknowledged by the member for Greatorex, who was up out of his chair in a shot, saying the Country Liberal Party stood shoulder to shoulder with the government on behalf of the people of Alice Springs. The new member for Araluen was right there beside him. Then, the weak Leader of the Opposition, after the lead had been taken by the member for Greatorex, was dragged into the spotlight to concede the overwhelming mood of the community in Alice Springs.
In regard to Cameco-Paladin, yes, I met with them recently with the Mines minister. We agree to disagree. I have seen a copy of that research undertaken by Cameco and Paladin. The question they asked was about exploration; it was not about mining. The results from that survey were essentially 50:50.
We stand by our decision. We support uranium mining in the Northern Territory, it is an important industry and it has a bright future. However, the people of Alice Springs do not want a uranium mine 20 km from their front door. I am pleased the members for Greatorex and Araluen were so quick to support the decision taken by the government. I was grateful to see the Leader of the Opposition belatedly come forward and also support his Central Australian colleagues.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016