Beyond Nuclear Initiative

‘Together we hold our future and we are standing strong’: Community rally marks six years of opposition to Muckaty nuclear dump. 

A community rally and concert will be held in Tennant Creek on Saturday May 25 to oppose the Northern Land Council’s and federal government’s continuing push for a radioactive waste dump at Muckaty in the Northern Territory.

The date marks exactly six years since the Northern Land Council voted to nominate an area of Muckaty, 120km north of Tennant Creek to be assessed as the site for a national dump. The nomination remains strongly contested by many Traditional Owners, who are actively challenging the plan in the Federal Court, as well as by many people across the Barkly region. Despite ongoing contest, the Northern Land Council has recently indicated it may nominate a second site on Muckaty.

“It has been a six year struggle but our voice has still not been heard by the government”, said Muckaty Traditional Owner Dianne Stokes. “We are trying our best to let everyone know that we are standing strong to fight for our spiritual ancestors and our land.”

“Together we hold our future and we are standing strong to show the world that we will never back down. We have a strong heart forever to say no to the nuclear dump anywhere on Muckaty.”

Beyond Nuclear Initiative coordinator Natalie Wasley said; “Representatives from nearby communities, trade unions, national environment groups and public health organisations are joining the local community for this rally, bringing messages of support from across the NT and country. We are committed to working together until the Muckaty proposal is dropped.”

“We are calling on the new Resources Minister Gary Gray to step away from the deeply flawed Muckaty plan in favour of a comprehensive public commission that considers all options of radioactive waste management. We need a mature process based on science, not politics, that is transparent and includes all stakeholders.”


A community rally has been held every year in Tennant Creek since 2007. The upcoming event also incorporates a concert with performers including: Sandridge Band (Borroloola); Winanjjikari All Stars (Tennant Creek); Kylie Sambo (Tennant Creek) and Perfect Cult (Borroloola).



The rally will commence outside the Northern Land Council office in Tennant Creek at 12pm and march to Civic Hall for the concert starting 2pm.

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Natalie Wasley 0429 900 774

May 25 Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/326459734149343/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Media release- March 13, 2013

Another year stronger: Campaigners vow to continue opposition to Muckaty proposal

One year since passage of Minister Martin Ferguson’s National Radioactive Waste Management Act, Traditional Owners and supporters have vowed to step up their campaign opposing the nuclear dump proposed for Muckaty.

Traditional Owner Penny Phillips recalls the deep sadness in the community when the law passed last year  “We had very hurt feelings when the legislation passed the Senate. My old aunty Bunny Nabarula cried her heart out.”

“People are really upset that we still haven’t been consulted even a year later, but we are not going to stop fighting- we will still keep telling people that this country is very important to us. We also want people to remember all of the transport accidents that have happened on the road and rail near Muckaty.”

Beyond Nuclear Initiative coordinator Natalie Wasley stated, “The National Radioactive Waste Management Act gives Minister Ferguson absolute discretion on key aspects of radioactive waste management. This is a far cry from the open and transparent process promised by the ALP in opposition. If Minister Ferguson can’t deliver on these promises then he should be replaced.”

“It is not acceptable to ‘consult’ the community after a site is chosen as Mr Ferguson has said will occur. Internationally it is recognised that for radioactive waste management processes to be successful they require inclusion of all civil society stakeholders from the outset. The targeting of remote communities considered politicially expedient by successive governments is an international embarrassment.”

“Muckaty is the only site left under consideration but the community is not being left to fight the proposal themselves. A diverse range of groups, including the Public Health Association of Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions are calling for a halt to the Muckaty proposal and an independent commission into radioactive waste management options.”

“The coalition opposing the Muckaty plan will be working to amplify our message in this federal election year- all NT candidates, Minister Ferguson and Shadow Resources Minister Ian MacFarlane will be asked to make their position on this important national issue clear and public, Ms Wasley added.

Ms Phillips concluded “We want politicians to come here to Muckaty – we will show them the country where they want to put the waste dump because they have not even been there. We felt the earthquake yesterday, we know that this area is not a good place for a nuclear waste dump.”