Our next serving will be at:
Public meeting and film screening 50th ANNIVERSARY OF MARALINGA ATOMIC TESTSOppose proposed Institute of Nuclear Science for Sydney University.
TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER 6.30PMHolme Reading Room – Sydney University
Film:
Australian Atomic ConfessionsTo get involved in cooking/serving/washing up please contact us at sydfoodnotbombs@gmail.com. More info on the Maralinga tests and the forum below.
MaralingaIn 1956-57 the arid rangelands of South Australia were subject to the detonation of nine major nuclear bombs, and many smaller bomb trials, as part of the British atomic weapons testing program at Maralinga and Emu Field. The establishment of Woomera had forged close military links between Australia and Britain and the Australian government barely questioned the nature and effects of nuclear tests. To carry out the tests thousands of Maralinga, Pitjantjatjara and Kokatha people were forcibly removed from their land by 'Aboriginal Protectors'. Maralinga was a direct act of genocide. Nuclear weapons contain radioactive substances poisonous for up to 250 000 years and contaminate land and water systems. The radioactive exposure of the tests was extensive as dense radioactive clouds travelled far and caused much sickness and death of surrounding communities. Traditional owners speak of the black mist that caused blindness and cancer. The area remains unsafe for habitation for 250 000 years and testifies once again to the nuclear industry’s responsibility for direct and indirect acts of genocide upon indigenous communities.
Institute of Nuclear ScienceOn August 22, the Vice-Chancellor announced the proposal of an Institute of Nuclear Science, in partnership with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation at Sydney University. This will be the first such centre since the 1980s and will be critical in facilitating the development of a nuclear industry in Australia.
This forum will discuss the reasons for opposing Howard’s nuclear push, as well as those for rejecting the proposed Institute. These range from the fact that nuclear is too slow and too expensive to be any solution to climate change, to the lack of any safe way to dispose of nuclear waste after 50 years of research.
