Northern Territory’s Muckaty Station was nominated by the Northern Land Council as a preferred site for Australia’s first nuclear dump site in 2007, despite its cultural significance.
Traditional owners today put forward an opposing case in Melbourne’s Federal Court.
"The traditional owners' representatives put forward a two-day overview of that case and then the last part of the week has been the Commonwealth and the Northern Land Council making their defence,” said Nuclear Free campaigner, Dave Sweeney.
The Federal Court in Melbourne has heard that the Northern Land Council did not consult with, or obtain consent, from traditional owners prior to nominating the land for a dump site.
But Mr Sweeney revealed there were no official records supporting this.
"They're basing consent for a national radioactive waste dump on a couple of file notes," he said.
If the court rules against traditional owners, a $12 million compensation package will be on offer.
"The question of compensation isn’t a question; what it is here is a question of primary right, can the people determine and decide what happens on their country?" Mr Sweeney said.
NITV News sought comment from the Northern Land Council and a representative for Muckaty Traditional Owners but they were unable to comment.
The seven-year battle will continue in Tennant Creek next week with a final hearing scheduled for July 4 in Darwin.
Share
