No effort has been made by government to ensure that social and economic conditions have been, or will be improved for our people. Only the offer of further development. Energy Resources of Australia, the leaseholders for the Ranger and Jabiluka deposits, releases contaminated water from the Ranger mine into our wetlands every year. We have been devastated to learn that neither Traditional Owners' opposition, nor internationally recognised standards are capable of reventing further release of contaminated water. Nothing can replace our country when its mined.
Nothing can reverse the damage to our water system and our food sources.
Our culture can't be replaced by money. Inherent in our laws and culture is an obligation to protect and preserve our homeland for future generations. It isn't negotiable. It's our tacit responsibility to future generations. In fact, its a right recognised by the High Court.