A group of nuclear opponents are beginning a trek from Wiluna to Perth to protest against the uranium mining industry in Western Australia. The 1250 km march is being led by the group that calls themselves Walk Away From Uranium Mining.
The march will be routed via two proposed uranium mining sites in Wiluna and Yeelirrie. The protestors are expected to reach Perth in about a month’s time on October 27, 2011. The marching protest follows the Barnett Government’s decision to formally overturn a ban on uranium mining in November 2008.
This resulted in many exploration applications for uranium mining being submitted in Western Australia. Three such proposals, including BHP's Yeelirrie, Mega Uranium's Lake Maitland and Toro Energy's Wiluna Lake way project, which are developed enough to begin production within the next few years.
Australia holds around 30% of the world’s uranium reserves, with around 5% residing in Western Australia. A growing list of countries around the world, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Greece and Ireland, are walking away from nuclear power. The protestors are supported by the Australian Greens.
WA Senator Scott Ludlam supports the protestors and will take part in the march. The Greens Senator said that this was an extraordinary moment for their state and for the future. The nuclear industry is in decline around the world and public awareness of the dangers of uranium mining and nuclear power is growing. He added that the march was a powerful statement from Western Australians who do not want uranium mining in WA and who do not want their state to support the nuclear industry in any way.