FED: UNESCO confident Australia can address Jabiluka issue

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-1998
FED: UNESCO confident Australia can address Jabiluka issue

CANBERRA, Dec 2 AAP -Australia could find a way to address the environmental and economic
impact of the Jabiluka mine in Kakadu National Park within the next six months, UNESCO said
today.

A World Heritage committee meeting in Kyoto, Japan, yesterday voted 20-1 on a
recommendation for construction at the mine to cease until Australias assessment on its
threat to the park was considered by the UN body UNESCO next April.

But Environment Minister Robert Hill said the federal government would be taking no action
to stop work at Jabiluka, and the mines developers Energy Resources Australia (ERA) vowed to
carry on with the project.

UNESCO World Heritage Committee adviser Jean-Louis Le Saint said he already considered the
park to be in danger.

"Of course, it is a very difficult question because there are high economic interests at
stake," he told ABC Radio from Kyoto.

"But everything is not black and white and I believe that they can find a way and so thats
the reason why we have six more months.

"Because we believe it is possible to correct the situation," Mr Le Saint said.

"The point is: should there be another mine and if there is another mine, what kind of
precautions have to be taken?"

He is secretary-general of the international council on monuments and sites, which provides
the World Heritage Committee with expert advice.

AAP st/cjh

KEYWORD: JABILUKA UNESCO

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