Nuclear submarine puts Brisbane at risk

 Peace  vigil

Time: 4pm-7pm

Place: Fisherman’s Island, Wharf 1

Seafarer’s Street, Port of Brisbane

Friends of the Earth Brisbane is greatly concerned that a US nuclear-powered warship is, once again, threatening Brisbane’s Nuclear Free Zone. Nuclear-powered submarine, the USS “City of Corpus Christi”, has recently taken part in large Pacific exercises and is currently on R & R in Brisbane.

The visit is a sign of the deepening military relationship between Australia and the US. The “City of Corpus Christi”, home-ported in Guam, is part of the US 7th Fleet. Guam-based US planes are conducting bombing fly-overs in the NT this week. An inquiry into the development of a US-Australia Combined Defence Facility at Shoalwater Bay, north of Rockhampton, is also taking place this Friday.

Friends of the Earth Brisbane spokesperson, Robin Taubenfeld, states, “The presence of yet another US nuclear vessel in the Port of Brisbane, not only breaches Brisbane’s commitment as a declared “Nuclear Free Zone”, but it leaves the community vulnerable should the unthinkable happen.”

“Brisbane residents have not been informed what to do in case of nuclear accident.”

When investigating nuclear ship visits to the port recently, Friends of the Earth was told that the Disaster Response Plan is now confidential.

“Allowing US nuclear vessels to use our ports detracts from regional security in other ways as well. US warships increase the chance of Brisbane and Australia being seen as terrorist target and indicate support for US military activity, which many Australians oppose,” Ms. Taubenfeld adds.

Corpus Christi means “Body of Christ.” Thursday’s vigil will, therefore, include crucifixion imagery, commemorating the innocent lives taken by war, and symbols of hope and peace.

Friends of the Earth Brisbane opposes nuclear ship visits, Australia’s increasing entanglement in US military policy, and the use of violence as a solution to conflict resolution.

“It is ironic that the name of the person known for saying “Blessed are the peacemakers” has been used for this killing machine,” Ms. Taubenfeld concludes.

For more information:

Friends of the Earth Brisbane, Robin Taubenfeld 0411 118 737