Arnhem's Kaleidoscope Children by Graham Wilson

Author:Graham Wilson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: northern territory, family life, buffalo, crocodile attack, outback australia, cattle stations, aboriginal community, missionary family, outback personalities
Publisher: Graham Wilson

Investigation into Uranium Mining – The Fox Inquiry

An insight into some of the difficult issues raised and dealt with during the development of mining is provided in the following material taken as excerpts from the transcript of evidence given by Dad (Alf Wilson) to the Ranger Uranium Inquiry, commonly known as the Fox Inquiry. In addition to his direct quotes, I have summarised some parts of the evidence as indicated and changed or added in the occasional word/tense, including explanation of map references to facilitate understanding of the contents. However in all cases I have attempted to represent accurately the substance of what was said, in way which can be understood by readers who are less familiar with the geography of the area.

Fox Ranger Uranium Inquiry Transcript

22nd October 1975

Transcript begins on page 2227 and records that, in addition to oral evidence and a previous written submission, 2 exhibits were tendered by Alf Wilson at 3 pm on 22nd October. Exhibit 1 was 2 maps of the East Alligator Rivers region, the first showing the normal mouth of the Magela Creek and the second showing the Magela Creek entering the East Alligator River in three parts in a major flood situation. Exhibit 2 was twelve slides shown by Mr Wilson during his submission along with a detailed list of them

Oral Evidence given by Alfred Wilson

After swearing in Mr. Cummins (legal representative of the Fox Inquiry) commenced questioning.

Question - Cummins: “Where do you live?”

Answer – Alf Wilson: “Until July, Oenpelli; we are now residing temporarily in Sydney.”

Question – Cummins: “Do you intend to go back to Oenpelli?”

Answer – Alf Wilson: “Oh yes.”

Question - Cummins: “You are a missionary of CMS and have been since 1951, is that so?”

Answer – Alf Wilson: “That is correct.”

Question - Cummins: about prior work in the NT and with aboriginals.

Answer – Alf Wilson: describes work history including the statement “my evidence is based on observations and experience obtained during the past 24 years, and in particular my lengthy contact with the aboriginal people of Western Arnhem Land.”

Question - Cummins: “Do you have a university degree?”

Answer – Alf Wilson: “I have undertaken a course in community development at the Australian National University. I do not have a degree or diploma.”

Question - Cummins: “You have made a statement and wish to give evidence concerning the causes of flooding of the plains and swamp lands adjacent to the East Alligator River?”

Answer – Alf Wilson: “Yes.”

Question - Cummins: “Would you commence by reading your statement?”

Answer – Alf Wilson: “I commence with the thought - I accept the scope of this inquiry is the Ranger Environmental Impact Statement, but it is important to see the total picture of proposed mining in the area. This would include the Pan Continental ore body at Jabiluka, refinement of or a Queensland Mines deposit at Nabarlek and Noranda's deposit at Koongara, and further possible ore bodies on exploration licenses 12, 219, 220, 326, 582.”

Question - Cummins: “Now you refer to the EIS?” (Environmental Impact Statement).

Answer –

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