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Friday, 23 November 1979

Senator WEBSTER (VICTORIA) (Minister for Science and the Environment) -My understanding is that information is not withheld from the Uranium Advisory Council by any department. It may be that the Council has been unsuccessful in securing a free run of advice as a matter of course, but I am not aware of that. All I can say is that I have not heard of any complaint through my Department.

I imagine that Senator Robertson's query about the size of Jabiru arises from the fact that it was proposed originally that the township be built for about 3,500 people. However, he will be aware that it was also indicated that should certain other steps be taken it would be necessary to enlarge the township to accommodate more people. That certainly appears necessary now. For instance, the Commonwealth Government has devoted extra resources to encouraging preservation of the environment in the area. Indeed, extra personnel will be required by the Supervising Scientist and those sections of the Northern Territory Administration that have an interest in the development of the town. It is proposed that as other uranium fields in the area are developed the township will be enlarged. The latest advice that comes to me is that eventually the town may have to accommodate some 5,000 people. My understanding is that the township is presently being developed to accommodate about 3,500 people. I have had some concern in my mind about the power and water supply being sufficient to meet the demands of an increased population.

I think the core of the honourable senator's question is his concern that a large population in the town may pose a threat to Aboriginal sites and art work in Kakadu National Park. I am particularly concerned about the maintenance of some of the Aboriginal art in the Jabiru township.

Senator Grimes - Will someone over there pull the plug out?

Senator WEBSTER - I did not catch that interjection.

Senator Chaney - It was not worth catching.

Senator WEBSTER - Mr President,I am advised that it was not worth catching- and that would be traditional for Senator Grimes, I can assure you. The Northern Territory has an interest in this matter, and the people of Australia should have an interest also. There is art work in the area that has stood for 20,000 years, and there is a national responsibility to see that it is preserved as well as possible. I appreciate Senator Robertson's question.

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