By Marcus Bruno
The fight to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine is at a critical point. On July 12, The UN World Heritage Commission (WHC) will decide whether to list Kakadu National Park as "World Heritage in danger" because of the mine, which is being built on a site surrounded by, but excised from, the national park.
Kakadu has been registered as a World Heritage area for both its natural and cultural values. It is home to the Mirrar indigenous people, and some of the most beautiful and unique wilderness on Earth.
A UN delegation last year concluded that the mine threatened the Mirrar people's culture and land. The Australian government forced a deferral of the "in danger" listing.
Twenty-one out of 22 countries on the WHC called for the mine construction to stop while the Australian government made another submission on the listing. This was ignored. Heavy machinery bored relentlessly into the Mirrar's sacred sites.
Jabiluka has become the test for a massive expansion of the nuclear industry in Australia. New uranium mines are being built at Beverley and Honeymoon in South Australia. A radioactive waste dump may be set up at Billa Kalina in SA. A new nuclear reactor is being planned for Lucas Heights in Sydney.
A World Heritage Embassy is to be established outside the offices of North Ltd in Melbourne, 476 St Kilda Road, at 4pm on July 11. Protesting with drums and placards begins the following morning and then every morning at 7am.
The embassy is a non-violent and drug- and alcohol-free action. There will be stunts, workshops, a chill-out tent, art-making, music and comedy. All are welcome to take part.