Uranium: O'Farrell overturns 26 ban

Uranium stance raises questions and fears  [Letters: Sydney Morning Herald]

The NSW Government seems set to greenlight uranium exploration in NSW, all in the name of bringing money into the state (''O'Farrell opens door to uranium miners'', February 15).
This is the same government that dropped a rebate for renewable energy and now seems intent on making it harder for wind farms to get approval. Yet wind energy is already cheaper than nuclear power, and it and other renewables provide a cheaper, safer and faster alternative to nuclear. Nuclear is too expensive, too slow to roll out, is not in fact ''carbon free'' and poses its own large risk to future generations. Remember Chernobyl and Fukushima.
NSW should not be part of an industry that is more a problem than a solution.
Haydn Washington Middle Cove

I cannot believe the state government can even think about overturning the 26-year ban on uranium exploration.
Remembering the Jabiluka protests in the late 1990s, when more than 70 per cent of Australians were opposed to the mining and exploration of this toxic substance, how can the Premier consider allowing the first step in this polluting process that will expose local communities and the environment to a legacy of toxic waste, safety breaches, leaks and inevitably failed rehabilitation?
After Fukushima, how can we consider supplying more of this mineral to other parts of the world?
Barry O'Farrell says: "We are not about to rush into mining uranium." Please, we do not buy that.
Jocelyn Howden Glenorie

Within days of the Fukushima catastrophe, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, cancelled all nuclear activity in that country, a responsible, inspiring and strong political reaction to a proven danger. In contrast, it is depressing to see the political recklessness of a NSW government threatening our environment with the spectre of uranium exploration and mining. We urgently need politicians like Dr Merkel who demonstrate courageous and intelligent concern with their community's safety.
When our environment's gone, everything's gone.
Alf Liebhold Hunters Hill

There is a small area of Hunters Hill which is uninhabitable because of tailings from a radium processing plant there back in 1910, and nobody wants the radioactive soil from it to be buried anywhere near them.
Yet Barry O'Farrell has decided to pander to the uranium industry by proposing that NSW be opened for uranium exploration. He has no mandate for that.
The Premier has already forgotten that disaster struck the Fukushima nuclear power plants on March 11 last year. He should abandon this dangerous plan and instead face down those groups who continue to block the needed investments in renewable energy, which are safe.
Peter Murphy Surry Hills