PR hard-sell for nuclear dump

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http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,5914216%255E2682,0\

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PR hard-sell for nuclear dump

By Political Reporter CATHERINE HOCKLEY

31jan03

 

A MULTINATIONAL public relations company will promote the merits of a national

nuclear waste dump to South Australians – using up to $300,000 of taxpayers'

money.

 

Meanwhile, a green coalition has pledged 1 per cent of that figure from its

comparatively small funds to launch a " counter-offensive " .

Hill and Knowlton, a " global communication company " which boasts 66 offices in

35 countries – including two in Australia – has won a Federal Government

contract to " sell " a planned low-level nuclear waste repository to SA.

The company, which will run the campaign from its Melbourne office, is charged

with " increasing awareness " about the dump, which is almost certain to be sited

near Woomera.

The general manager of the company's Melbourne office, Rod Nockles, refused to

comment on the campaign.

" We don't confirm or discuss our clients, " he said.

Federal Science Minister Peter McGauran, whose department is the proponent of

the dump, said the campaign had not been determined.

" Hill and Knowlton are carrying out media monitoring work, " he said.

" The Government will constantly tailor the campaign so as to provide the public

in SA with all the facts to dispel the constant misinformation and distortions

being circulated. "

With backing from the Australian Conservation Foundation, the green coalition

has planned a three-month grassroots campaign to lobby against the dump.

Led by Sydney anti-nuclear campaigner Dr Jim Green, the coalition will promote

its message at community events through information stalls and a public debate.

Dr Green said the " Campaign Against Nuclear Dumping " was aimed at providing " the

truth " about the dump, which will take waste from around Australia.

He said South Australians were still missing vital information on the project,

particularly on the Federal Government's plans to claim pastoral land for the

dump.

" The Federal Government is going to acquire the land to build the dump, " he

said.

" It will be ripping a bit of SA out and calling it Commonwealth land. "

Senator McGauran defended the Government-funded campaign, saying there were

already " campaigns of misinformation and distortions by opponents of the

project " .

Federal Environment Minister David Kemp is expected to make a decision on the

dump within two months.

 

 

 

 

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