Newsletter date: 29 May 2013
Contents:
* Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Oxfam report mocks Native Title
* Oxfam Australia: Mining
* Oxfam Australia and CAER: The right to decide: company commitments and community consent
* SBS Radionews: Mining benefits 'not getting to Indigenous people'
* 3CR Community Radio: Earth Matters [Refusal to honour native title & Indigenous land use agreements]
* Background to Mabo and Native Title
* SBS Radionews: Indigenous focus on land and sea management
* ABC: Waste dump opponents 'not going to back down'
* NT News: Tennant mob rally against nuke dump
* Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* Walkatjurra Walkabout ends and uranium battles begin
* NIRS: Anti-uranium campaigners complete Walkatjurra Walkabout
* Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation: FMG liable for trashing Yindjibarndi Religious Practices
* Background to the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC)
* 3CR Community Radio: Earth Matters [Victory at Walmadan, but Premier Barnett indicated he will still compulsorily acquire the land]
* The West: Gas hub protesters snub Barnett meeting
* WA Today: Offshore processing 'threat to gas plants'
* SMH: Floating LNG most viable: Woodside
* Hands off Country: Repeating the mistakes of JPP and lacking consultation and common sense
* Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Fracking the Canning Basin
* Background to the Save The Kimberley Campaign - James Price Point, north of Broome, WA
* GERRY GEORGATOS, THE STRINGER: OXFAM REPORT MOCKS NATIVE TITLE
- Analysis / Opinion
The Stringer: Oxfam report mocks Native Title
http://thestringer.com.au/oxfam-report-mocks-native-title/
20 May 13: "Oxfam Australia has added its weight to the controversy that domestically and internationally embarrasses Australia over how the resources sector and the various prescribed government bodies cheat Aboriginal land owners out of due benefits for access to land for mining projects. Oxfam has completed a study that has found that only one of the 53 biggest miners on the Australian Securities Exchange had a public commitment to the United Nation’s principles of informed consent for Aboriginal peoples." By Gerry Georgatos, a life-long human rights and social justice campaigner, a multi-award winning investigative journalist
* OXFAM AUSTRALIA: MINING
- Analysis / Opinion
Oxfam Australia: Mining
https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/mining
"Many of the world’s mining giants call Australia home. In recent years, Australia has profited from a global mining boom which has seen the industry increase its activities both here and overseas. More and more, the Australian mining industry is active in countries where corruption is rife and conflict is an ever-present risk. It’s been a modern-day gold rush and great for our economy, but scratch the glittering surface and you’ll see that not everyone is benefitting. Mining companies that don’t respect human rights or protect the environment may cause harm to the communities living around their operations. And it’s the most vulnerable - women and indigenous people - who are worst affected."
* OXFAM AUSTRALIA AND CAER: THE RIGHT TO DECIDE: COMPANY COMMITMENTS AND COMMUNITY CONSENT
- Report
Oxfam Australia and CAER: The right to decide: company commitments and community consent
CAER: http://www.caer.org.au/publications/CAER-Oxfam%20FPIC%20Report%20FINAL.pdf
Oxfam Australia: http://resources.oxfam.org.au/pages/view.php?ref=1099&search=mining&orde...
2013: "This report examines the publicly stated positions of Australian mining companies, and some Australian oil and gas companies, in relation to the rights of indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making that affects them, their land and their natural resources. In particular we assess whether companies recognise the right of indigenous peoples to give or deny their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for mining projects on their land."
* SBS RADIONEWS: MINING BENEFITS 'NOT' GETTING TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'
- Audio Interview
SBS Radionews: Mining benefits 'not getting to Indigenous people'
By Michael Kenny
http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/268312/Mining-...
21 May 13: "A WA native title organisation is calling for greater community consultation over mining projects in remote communities. ... A native title organisation has used an international mining conference to call for greater community consultation over mining projects in remote communities. The concerns have been raised by the Yamatiji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, a group which represents Traditional Owners in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The corporation's co-chairperson Doris Eaton has given a key speech at the International Mining for Development conference."
* 3CR COMMUNITY RADIO: EARTH MATTERS
- Audio
3CR Community Radio: Earth Matters 26.05.2013
http://www.3cr.org.au/earthmatters/podcast/earth-matters-26052013
26 May 13: "Aunty Lila Kirby, a Yorta Yorta & Wiradjuri Elder who is also a whale & dolphin singer brings a very important message direct from that source and Kerry Blackman, Gurang man from the Port Curtis Coral Coast region in Queensland on how PCCC mob have been protesting against multinational mining corporation Santos and energy retailer Origin who are refusing to honour native title & Indigenous land use agreements and to properly consult with mandated Aboriginal representatives."
* BACKGROUND TO MABO AND NATIVE TITLE:
Last updated: 24 May 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/07/02/background-to-mabo-and-native-title
* SBS RADIONEWS: INDIGENOUS FOCUS ON LAND AND SEA MANAGEMENT
- Audio
SBS Radionews: Indigenous focus on land and sea management
By Michael Kenny
http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/269210/Indigen...
27 May 13: "Indigenous representatives from across the world are meeting in Darwin to discuss sustainable land and sea management practices. The Larrakia people of Darwin are hosting an international Indigenous conference this week, bringing together over 1000 from 55 countries. The inaugural World Indigenous Network Conference will focus on sharing ideas on how Indigenous communities around the globe can promote sustainable land and sea management practices. Michael Kenny reports."
- Current Event
Event: 26 to 31 May 2013: Darwin, NT
World Indigenous Network (WIN) Conference
"The Australian Government with partner countries and the
Larrakia Nation are proud and excited to host the
inaugural WIN Conference in Darwin, Northern Territory,
Australia from Sunday 26 to Friday 31 May 2013.
For thousands of years, the Aboriginal Traditional Custodians
of Darwin, the Larrakia Nation have lived on and maintained
their cultural ties to this thriving, vibrant, multicultural city of
more than 120,000 people.
The Conference will call on all delegates to help build a strong
foundation for an innovative and well-grounded enduring
World Indigenous Network. It will be a fantastic opportunity for
Indigenous Peoples and Local Community land and sea
managers to come together, connect and share stories and
experiences."
Event details: http://www.theblackbook.com.au/whatson_detail.asp?id=1002&si=0&mi=5&yi=2013
* ABC: WASTE DUMP OPPONENTS 'NOT GOING TO BACK DOWN'
- News
ABC: Waste dump opponents 'not going to back down'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-27/waste-dump-opponents-not-going-to-...
27 May 13: "More than 200 people have marched in Tennant Creek to protest against a nuclear waste dump planned for Muckaty Station north of the town. Traditional owner Diane Stokes says the chairman of the Central Land Council (CLC), Maurie Ryan, addressed the rally, declaring the CLC will support the protesters. Mr Ryan told the crowd, the CLC is on a collision course with the Northern Land Council over how they have handled the Muckaty nomination. Ms Stokes says it is time the CLC takes control of the country as far north as Elliott to support traditional owners in their bid to stop the dump going ahead." By Gail Liston
- Related Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/am-23-05-updated.mp3
23 May 13: "A Northern Territory Senator who is supportive of the nations future nuclear waste dump being located near Tennant Creek says that some of the Traditional Owners of the land have been able to make up their own mind about safety concerns after visiting a similar facility in Spain."
- Past Event
Event: 25 May 2013: Tennant Creek, NT
No Nuclear Waste Dump for Muckaty
Tennant Creek rally and concert
"May 25 marks six years since the Northern Land Council
voted to nominate the current Muckaty site for assessment.
The annual community rally will be held on this date
in Tennant Creek. The nomination remains strongly contested
by Traditional Owners and the Barkly region community."
"Supporters from across the Northern Territory and
country are invited to attend."
A concert with performers including:
Sandridge Band (Borroloola);
Winanjjikari All Stars (Tennant Creek);
Kylie Sambo, hip-hop artist (Tennant Creek and;
Perfect Cult (Borroloola).
Event details: http://www.acfonline.org.au/get-involved/events/no-nuclear-waste-dump-mu...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://ohmsnotbombs.net/archives/809
WGAR Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nu...
* NT NEWS: TENNANT MOB RALLY AGAINST NUKE DUMP
- News
NT News: Tennant mob rally against nuke dump
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/05/28/321367_ntnews.html
28 May 13: "MORE than 200 people have rallied in Tennant Creek to protest a nuclear waste dump destined for Muckaty Station. Traditional owner Diane Stokes said that a lot of people from the local community turned out on the weekend, with the next generation of Territory leaders taking a stand at the front of the crowd. "There was a lot of support out there," she said. "The young fellas stood up strong to support the elders."" Meagan Dillon
* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:
Last updated: 26 May 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nu...
* WALKATJURRA WALKABOUT ENDS AND URANIUM BATTLES BEGIN
- Media Release
Walkatjurra Walkabout ends and uranium battles begin
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beyondnuclear/attachments/folder/119738140...
27 May 13: "Over 70 people, including 12 Rangers from Leonora have just completed a three week walk from Yeelirrie to Leonora in opposition to uranium mining in the Goldfields, while celebrating an learning about culture and country.
The Walk comes just months after the the Federal Government gave a significant but not final approval for the proposed Wiluna uranium mine – the first project to get this level of approval in WA.
State secretary of the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union, Steve McCartney came out to meet the walkers today in Leonora and said this "Today is the beginning of building a compact agreement between the union and the community in Leonora."
"We won't be walking away from this fight against uranium mining," he concluded.
Kado Muir, Chairperson of the West Australia Nuclear Free Alliance and Leonora local said "This walk has been about building alliances with the green movement, the union movement and Aboriginal communities. Each step we take is a step towards a nuclear free future for our communities."
Marcus Atkinson walk organiser, "The Wiluna uranium proposal is a bad deal but not a done deal. There is growing resistance to this toxic and dying industry across WA, across Australia and around the world. ... "
See:
WGAR News: Walkatjurra Walkabout: Stepping out against uranium mining: WANFA & ANAWA (11 May 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/05/10/wgar-news-walkatjurra-walkabout-stepp...
* NIRS: ANTI-URANIUM CAMPAIGNERS COMPLETE WALKATJURRA WALKABOUT
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Anti-uranium campaigners complete Walkatjurra Walkabout
http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/29318/Anti-uranium-campaigners-...
28 May 13: "The Chair of the West Australian Nuclear Free Alliance Kado Muir says a three week-long walk from Yeelirrie to Leonora has been to build support in the campaign against uranium mining. The Alliance says over 70, including 12 rangers, completed Walkatjurra Walkabout against the proposed Wiluna mine - the first uranium project to get approval in WA."
* YINDJIBARNDI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION: FMG LIABLE FOR TRASHING YINDJIBARNDI RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
- Media Release
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation: FMG liable for trashing Yindjibarndi Religious Practices
http://yindjibarndi.org.au/yindjibarndi/?p=3173
24 May 13: "The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation would like to make clear that Fortescue have not obtained the consent or approval of Yindjibarndi native title holders for their Firetail and Solomon Project operations. FMG do not have an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Yindjibarndi People, and operate outside the security of such an agreement. Despite a Federal Court decision that decisively settled who legitimately represents Yindjibarndi native title at Fortescue’s Firetail/Solomon operations, Fortescue continues to trash Yindjibarndi native title rights."
* BACKGROUND TO THE YINDJIBARNDI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION (YAC):
Last updated: 17 February 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/27/background-to-the-yindjibarndi-aborig...
* 3CR COMMUNITY RADIO: EARTH MATTERS
- Audio
3CR Community Radio: Earth Matters 05.05.2013
http://www.3cr.org.au/earthmatters/podcast/earth-matters-05052013
5 May 13: "Victory at Walmadan, where mining company Woodside have cancelled their plans to construct a $45 Billion Dollar Gas Hub at Walmadan. But WA Premier Colin Barnett had indicated that he will still compulsorily acquire the land for industrialisation."
* THE WEST: GAS HUB PROTESTERS SNUB BARNETT MEETING
- News
The West: Gas hub protesters snub Barnett meeting
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/17299731/gas-hub-protesters-snub...
23 May 13: "Kimberley gas hub protesters say they have declined an offer to meet with Premier Colin Barnett despite pushing for a meeting with him during the recent election campaign. In January, Broome residents urged the Premier to attend an open community forum to discuss the social impacts of Woodside Petroleum's proposed gas hub at James Price Point. That meeting never eventuated but the Premier was in Broome toy and reportedly extended an invitation to the group for a private meeting." AAP, The West Australian
* WA TODAY: OFFSHORE PROCESSING 'THREAT TO GAS PLANTS'
- News
WA Today: Offshore processing 'threat to gas plants'
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/offshore-processing-threat-to-gas-plan...
24 May 13: "Both major West Australian political parties fear Shell's Prelude floating liquefied natural gas project will trigger a departure from onshore processing, slashing state royalties and denying local jobs. ... Premier Colin Barnett is staunchly opposed to the possibility Woodside will turn to floating LNG after backing out of an onshore plant at James Price Point for its Browse project, which is one-third in state waters." AAP
* SMH: FLOATING LNG MOST VIABLE: WOODSIDE
- News
SMH: Floating LNG most viable: Woodside
http://www.smh.com.au/business/floating-lng-most-viable-woodside-2013052...
28 May 13: "Woodside Petroleum chief Peter Coleman says the unproven floating LNG technology is shaping up to be the oil and gas industry's future, all but conceding that the high-cost environment means it has no other viable alternative to developing the Browse mega-project in WA. But Mr Coleman said Woodside and technology provider Shell had not yet formally settled on FLNG as the way forward to Browse with the other joint-venture partners after the company scrapped the original $45 billion-plus development plans at James Price Point." Philip Wen, Journalist, BusinessDay
* HANDS OFF COUNTRY: REPEATING THE MISTAKES OF JPP AND LACKING CONSULTATION AND COMMON SENSE
- News
Hands off Country: Repeating the mistakes of JPP and lacking consultation and common sense
http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/repeating-mistakes-of-jpp...
9 May 13: "Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has stopped the clock on the Commonwealth's environmental approval process for the James Price Point gas hub until he receives fresh details of any reworked State plans for the site. The decision complicates the Barnett Government's attempt to rescue something from the wreckage of the decision by Woodside Petroleum and its joint venture partners to walk away from the controversial $40 billion land-based LNG hub, amid spiralling costs. As part of this drive, Premier Colin Barnett yesterday reintroduced legislation into the WA Parliament to help develop massive gas reserves in the onshore Canning Basin, ... "
* GERRY GEORGATOS, THE STRINGER: FRACKING THE CANNING BASIN
- News
The Stringer: Fracking the Canning Basin
http://thestringer.com.au/fracking-the-canning-basin/
9 May 13: "Western Australia’s Canning Basin will soon be talked about as the next resources mining frontier. The James Price Point $40 billion gas hub proposal for all intents and purposes has been dumped but the State’s Premier, Colin Barnett, will pitch the extraction of natural gas from the Canning Basin as the way to go in the pursuit of State revenue. Most of the gas will be exported. The shale gas deposits of the Canning Basin are among the richest in the world. On Tuesday, Premier Barnett introduced a Parliamentary Bill seeking to develop the vast Canning resource." By Gerry Georgatos, a life-long human rights and social justice campaigner, a multi-award winning investigative journalist
* BACKGROUND TO THE SAVE THE KIMBERLEY CAMPAIGN - JAMES PRICE POINT, NORTH OF BROOME, WA
Last updated: 10 May 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/22/wgar-news-background-to-the-save-the-...
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