Friends of the Earth Brisbane  
member Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance  
PO Box 5702 West End Qld 4101  
phone:  (07) 3846 5793  mobile: 0438 169 414      

Media Release - September 26, 2007   

Maralinga Remembered… Nuclear White Elephant debunks nuclear safety myth 
as Switkowski comes to town   

Media opportunity and information display   
Date:   Thursday September 27, 2007
 Time:   *Press Conference 11am             
Display open 10:00am - 3:30pm 
Place:  Queens Park cnr Elizabeth & George Sts, Brisbane   

*Speakers from Medical Association for Prevention of War, Just Peace, Friends of the Earth, 
East Narangba Community Action Group - plus more   

As Australians commemorate 51 years since nuclear testing on the mainland and Ziggy Switkowski 
talks up the nuclear industry in Brisbane,  Effie the giant white inflatable nuclear-free elephant will be 
standing her ground in Queens Park,  highlighting the dangers of nuclear expansion.   

 “With federal proposals to build up to 25 nuclear reactors on the east coast and the threat of uranium
 mine expansion looming,   the anniversary of the British atomic tests at Maralinga stands as a timely 
reminder that the nuclear industry is deadly,” states Friends of the Earth spokesperson Robin Taubenfeld.   

 “The fallout clouds from these tests dispersed over most of Australia , reaching Townsville in the north and 
Lismore in the east.  The safety and clean up of contaminated areas has never been successfully achieved, 
the indigenous people never compensated.”    

Friends of the Earth will be setting up a display of photos and information about the nuclear tests on Effie’s 
colossal legs.  The community is invited to join Effie, take their photo with her, get information about alternative 
energy options and discuss the issues.    

A white elephant is something that is too costly or too impractical to look after and manage.    

“Nuclear power is dangerous, expensive, and unnecessary,” adds Ms. Taubenfeld.  “It is truly a white elephant and 
something that must be avoided.”   

“From uranium mining to nuclear power, the nuclear industry creates long-lived radioactive waste - 
and is directly linked to weapons production.  The cost to environment and future generations is too high 
a price to pay for any short term gain from this toxic industry.”   

“Effie is here to remind us that it is up to us to decide whether Australia will travel down the dangerous nuclear path – 
or the path towards peace and sustainability. “     

For more information:  Robin Taubenfeld  Friends of the Earth Brisbane  0411 118 737