Monday, January 21, 2008

would one of mike's minders please buy him a map?!

a map for mike rann - link to the larger version on flickr
Mr Rann denied that uranium exploration was happening in the Arkaroola sanctuary, saying it was in "an area nearby".

Questioned whether he would rule out mining in the sanctuary, he replied: "There's an exploration licence going on right now and it's in an area outside the area that people are talking about in terms of a national park, so the answer is no."

The Australian 21-01-08



So, Premier Rann, Marathon Resources' uranium exploration program at Mount Gee isn't in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, it's 'nearby'?!

Actually, Mike, it's bang in the centre of the sanctuary, and directly adjacent to - and visible from - the route of the famous Ridgetop Tour.

And the only person who appears to be confused about any claims of 'National Park' is you - though that's the level of protection this area clearly deserves, and the sanctuary's owners thought they had afforded it!

( Though in South Australia even National Park status is no guarantee of safety - the Gawler Ranges National Park, for instance, is literally covered with exploration leases! )

It does look a little foolish defending a controversial exploration operation while not actually knowing where it is, don't you think?

The people of SA do not want a mine in the Arkaroola Sanctuary, Mr. Rann, and you must deal with that. With your facts straight.

Remember: Those wishing to clarify things for Mike can write and tell him what they think: it doesn't have to be hyper-detailed or long-winded, it just has to be polite, to the point, and on his desk! -

The Premier The Hon. Mike Rann

e-mail: premier@saugov.sa.gov.au
Phone: 8463 3166
Fax: 8463 3168

2 comments:

  1. From this article:

    "The State Government has tightly regulated all exploration at Arkaroola, and this is reflected in the unique landscape values not being compromised."

    Really, Mr Atkinson? The recent photographs I have seen from Mt Gee must have been doctored, then? All the clear damage from exploration activity I can see is a figment of my imagination?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations on a great blog! I have four posts on Arkaroola/Marathon at http://mike-servethepeople.blogspot.com
    To get the first one, use the Search function at the top of the home page - I thhink it was last September.

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete

thanks for your contribution - bill - i'm genuinely sorry about having to switch on the 'moderation' process but comment spammers have really been cluttering up this journal!