Uranium Mining
Click here for information about Mount Gee, the site of the proposed uranium mine on Arkaroola, as proposed by Marathon Resources P/L.
Do you Think that Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is an Appropriate Place for a Uranium Mine?
We don't......!
In fact, we don't want a mine - of any description - on Arkaroola.
A uranium mine here would be a total contradiction ofthe principles of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. It undermines the 40 years of conservation work conducted by our parents to protect over 600 square kilometres of this wild and beautiful arid mountain range country.
Arkaroola is a major South Australian biodiversity asset: the property contains a number of threatened species; plants, birds and even fish. There are 35 colonies of Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies, and in 1981 our father, Dr Reg Sprigg, placed 70 square km of prime wallaby habitat on the National Estate Register to assist in their protection.
Arkaroola contains a number of Geological Monuments, including Mount Gee (the site of the uranium deposit and planned mine).
The property is a sanctuary under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Funds raised from tourism activities are put back into the environment in various ways, such as weed and feral animal control. Arkaroola was a pastoral property for only a short time, and the regeneration of mulga here is the most significant in the Flinders Ranges.
In 2005, Arkaroola was identified to be of international significance by Andrew Ingles of the World Conservation Union.
It is our philosophy that through the principles of Ecotourism we are not only able to help protect and conserve this unique environment, but make it accessible to you to enjoy in a way that inspires inquiry; a thirst to understand more about the interconnectiveness of its fabulous geology, flora and fauna - that makes Arkaroola what it is!
You, our visitors and friends, can help us save Arkaroola from the threat of mining. If you would like to assist please click here to download a copy of this letter and please write to any or all of the State and Federal politicians listed below, including the State Premier.
With grateful thanks - Marg and Doug Sprigg.
Download Arkaroola's Media Release issued 21 September 2007.
Breaking News: Arkaroola is proud and excited with our latest success in the S.A. Tourism Awards, winning Ecotourism (third successive award - and inclusion in the coveted Hall of Fame), Sustainable Tourism (second successive year), and recognition for the second time in three years as South Australia's Major Tourist Attraction. The very idea of mining in this unique wilderness is in total conflict with everything that Arkaroola stands for, and has achieved over the past four decades. Surely some places have to be off limits to mining exploitation! (Click here for further information regarding our recent awards).
Please help us save Arkaroola for your children!
Click here for further information about the proposed uranium mining site at Mount Gee, the heartland of Arkaroola.
What the Media is Saying About Mining on Arkaroola:
Mike Smithson, Political Reporter for the Sunday Mail, has written an interesting article about the allegedly illegal dumping of hundreds of drill sample bags in two shallow pits on the Mount Gee exploration site of Marathon Resources, Pty Ltd. This area is the heartland of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.
Please click here to see Mike's report, published on 20 January 2008 - which has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Sunday Mail.
State Politicians:
The Premier of South Australia,
The Hon. Mike Rann MP
PO Box 2343, Adelaide SA 5001
Email: premier@saugov.sa.gov.au
The Minister for Mineral Resources Development,
The Hon. Paul Holloway, MP
GPO Box 2832, Adelaide SA 5001
Email: ministerholloway@saugov.sa.gov.au
The Minister for Environment and Conservation,
The Hon. Gail Gago MLC
GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, SA 5001
Email: minister.gago@saugov.sa.gov.au
The Minister for Tourism,
The Hon. Jane Lomax-Smith, MP
GPO Box 778, Adelaide, SA 5001
Email: minedcs@saugov.sa.gov.au
Leader of the Opposition
Mr. Martin Hamilton-Smith
Shop 2, 212 Belair Road, Hawthorne, SA 5062
Email: waite@parliament.sa.gov.au
Federal Politicians:
Prime Minister,
The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Telphone (02) 6277 7700
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives,
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Minister for the Environment , Heritage and Arts,
The Hon. Peter Garrett AM MP
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives,
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Email: Peter.Garrett.MP@aph.gov.au
Minister for Climate Change and Water
The Hon. Penny Wong
PO Box 6237, Halifax Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Email: senator.wong@aph.gov.au
Minister for Tourism,
The Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives,
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Email: Martin.Ferguson.MP@aph.gov.au
Leader of the Opposition,
The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives,
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Senator for Tasmania,
Senator Bob Brown,
Level 1, Murray Street Pier,
Murray Street, Hobart Tas 7000
Email: senator.bob.brown@aph.gov.au
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Senator the Hon David Johnston
183 Great Eastern Highway
Belmont WA 6104
Shadow Minister for The Environment
The Hon Greg Hunt MP
PO Box 274
Hastings Vic 3915
Email: Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au
Senator The Hon Nick Minchin
Email: senator.minchin@aph.gov.au
The Hon. Nicholas Xenophon, MLC
Federal Independent Senator
GPO Box 572, Adelaide SA 5001
Email: nickx@xen.net.au
