McArthur River mine should not go ahead
Friday 20th February 2009

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has ignored the concerns of Aboriginal communities and the Federal Court, say the Australian Greens.

"Minister Garrett's decision today to approve mining operations for Xstrata at the McArthur River mine is a wrong move," aid Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"The mine should never have received approval from the Commonwealth to divert the McArthur River in the first place."

"The extended environmental conditions imposed by Minister Garrett will not do anything to help those communities that rely on the McArthur river for fishing and traditional practices," said Senator Siewert.

"Minister Garrett has ignored the voices of Traditional Owners in the area - with some now threatening to take their case to the United Nations."

"The Booroloola Traditional Owners and the Northern Land Council have been trying to make their voice heard, and the Federal Court's decision to halt operations should have made that voice louder. Instead, Minister
Garrett is more interested in helping mining corporations than listening to the concerns of local Aboriginal communities."

"The Greens are calling on Minister Garrett to overturn his decision and require the mining company to restore the river and repair the damage they have done," she concluded.

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