Friends of the Earth Brisbane is urging the local community to make an appearance at this week’s Parliamentary Committee inquiry into the expansion of the Shoalwater Military Training Facility.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works will be holding the public hearing at 68 Western Street, Rockhampton this Friday afternoon from 1:40pm.
“Friends of the Earth is greatly concerned that the inquiry did not consult with local environment and peace groups about the development – and that women’s health organisations, and traditional owner groups were left off the list of organisations to be consulted in the Defence Department’s original proposal, ” states spokesperson Kim Stewart.
“Recent incidents in the region show that the community is being kept out of the loop as far as military activity is concerned – sometimes with frightening consequences. The community deserves to know what to expect if the facility expands.”
‘The proposed development of an urban warfare training zone within the facility may be small, but its impacts are far-reaching. The stated benefits of “improve(d) interoperability” and “enhanc(ed) high-end, bilateral training” are not about defending Australia, but about furthering Australian involvement in the US military machine, ” Ms. Stewart adds.
Friends of the Earth joins local environment and peace groups in opposing the development and is calling on the local community to meet the decision-makers when they come to town this week.
“The expansion of a military facility that is increasingly being used by US troops is of interest to all Australians. The public hearing into the matter, however, is scheduled to take only 1hr 50minutes. We encourage everyone to come to the hearing and voice their concern about the issues, whether they have been invited to speak or not.”
Details:
Date: Friday July 28, 2006
Time: Community presence starts: 12:30pm (Inquiry: 1:40pm - 3:30pm)
Location: 68 Western Street, Rockhampton
For more information:
Friends of the Earth Brisbane, Kim Stewart, 0413 397 839
Citizens Against Depleted Uranium Use (Byfield-Yeppoon), Renton Bishopric, (07) 4935 1161
