Posted by mcarthurriver on March 22, 2007
The Environment Centre NT has organised a presentation of Two Laws, an archival film made in 1981 in Borroloola. The film, an unconventional documentary, was made on the basis of significant Aboriginal community commitment.
“White people don’t understand that there are two laws and two different kinds of custom in Australia… White people have different laws from Aboriginal people.”
The film is divided into four parts, parts 3 & 4 which will be shown on Tuesday 27th March, deal with the present struggle [1980] for land. The film reminds us of the historical context for their current battle to save the McArthur River. It is a disturbing reminder of Aboriginal Peoples fight for justice against past and ongoing oppression.
The presentation is timed to co-incide with the Traditional Owners legal challenge against the diversion of the McArthur River, which will be heard in the Supreme Court of the NT 26-29th March 2007.
Traditional Owners who are in Darwin for the hearing will speak about their ongoing fight for their land, culture and the McArthur River.
What: Two Laws - archival film presentation from Borroloola
When : 7.30pm, Tuesday 27th March 2007
Where: the NT Museum and Art Gallery, Conacher St Darwin.
Numbers are limited - if you wish to attend please book via freshwater@ecnt.org or 8941 7439
Posted in McArthur River, Traditional Owners | No Comments »
Posted by mcarthurriver on March 22, 2007
This is great news for the people of Mt Isa. Lets hope Xstrata actually releases the study.
Maybe Steve de Kruijff could come over to the Northern Territory and undertake a new environmental study for the McArthur River. It doesn’t seem that the current McArthur River Mines management know what ‘independent academics’ or ‘keep[ing] up with community expectations’ is, let alone commissioning and releasing a world class study.
Do we need more ‘intense media scrutiny’ in the NT?
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From the ABC
Swiss mining giant Xstrata will undertake a new environmental study in Mount Isa, in north-west Queensland, after intense media scrutiny over high lead levels in the soil.
Forty residents attended a public meeting last night to hear Xstrata’s response to a new scientific study showing lead levels up to 30 times higher than federal guidelines.
The meeting was told the company had several programs to limit environmental impacts, such as the use of radar to control emissions.
Xstrata’s Steve de Kruijff says a project team will now be formed to assess the overall condition of Mount Isa’s environment.
“We have engaged an independent academic who is a world class toxicologist and we plan to use him as part of our smelter project team to develop a long-term emissions strategy to ensure that we keep up with community expectations, to make sure that we’re ahead of community expectations,” he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1878458.htm
Posted in McArthur River, Xstrata, heavy metals | No Comments »
