Springborg plans toxic future for Queensland

The Wilderness Society (Queensland) Inc
Media Release
9 March 2009

Leading conservation group The Wilderness Society today slammed LNP Leader Lawrence Springborg for declaring his support for opening up Queensland to toxic uranium mining. Mr Springborg made the comments campaigning in Mt Isa today.

“Lawrence Springborg and the LNP are committing Queensland to a toxic future. Uranium mining is a key component of the unsustainable and dangerous nuclear cycle and is a highly poisonous substance”, said Dr Tim Seelig, Queensland Campaign Manager. 

“Right now there are toxic heavy metals flowing through the pristine river systems of Queensland’s Gulf and Channel Country from other mining spills – the LNP just don’t seem to care. Mining toxic uranium will add enormous additional threats to these river systems, our environment and remote communities.”

“To use the cover of job creation is a smoke screen. Any short term financial benefits from uranium mining are far outweighed by long term problems including radioactive waste disposal and nuclear weapons proliferation.”

“So far this election campaign, all the LNP has to offer on the environment are huge backwards steps for Queensland”, concluded Dr Seelig.