New Australian Documentary on the horrifying effects of DU

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Sat, 21 May 2005 05:12:29 -0700 (PDT)

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New Australian Documentary on the horrifying effects of DU

 

 

 

http://www.acej.org.au/archives/2005-05-03.htm

 

ACEJ - Australian Coalition for Economic Justice

 

« back Social Justice Monitor - articles - MAY 2005

 

World Premiere at Brisbane:

New Australian Documentary on the

horrifying effects of DU

 

The World premiere of new Australian documentary on

Depleted Uranium (DU) weaponry and its horrifying effects on

" Coalition of the willing " soldiers and civilians will be held in

Brisbane at a date and venue now under negotiation. Details will be

available on our website at www.acej.org.au

 

The documentary by David Bradbury: Blowin' in the Wind,

was two years in the making and took him around the world. It was

inspired by the Australian Coalition for Economic Justice (ACEJ) 2003

sponsored tour by former US Army physicist Dr Doug Rokke. He features

in the film, which has important messages for Australians.

 

After former US Army physicist Dr Doug Rokke's visit to

Australia in 2003 a new organisation was formed to continue creating

awareness of the horrific effects of depleted uranium (DU) ammunition

on soldiers and innocent civilians alike. It is called Depleted

Uranium Silent Killer (DUSK).

 

DUSK is on the campaign trail again and will launch a new

documentary highlighting how DU could affect the lives of Australians

living near places like Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area in

Central Queensland and at Lancelin Western Australia, 130 km north of

Perth.

 

Perth is now a major R & R city for U.S. troops. Will they

be kicked out of there as they have been in other places around the world?

 

Not only are locals likely to be affected by radiation

from DU practice shelling but also our own soldiers and their

families, not to mention the endangered dugongs at Shoalwater Bay.

 

The Federal Department of Environment and Heritage website

describes Shoalwater Bay 454 500ha military training area as " a

significant habitat for the threatened dugong, and several species of

marine turtle. Five nationally threatened plant species also occur in

this area.

 

Abundant species of migratory birds were also recorded by

the department on the tidal mudflats during the summer of 1991-1992

including the lesser golden plover (pluvialis fulva), and other bird

species.

 

It is listed as a Commonwealth Heritage Place.

 

According to an article in The Australian April 20 more

than 17,000 Australian and US troops will take part in the major

military exercise in central coastal Queensland. A defence spokesman

said navy, army, air force, marines and special forces personnel would

combine for exercise Talisman Sabre 2005 in Shoalwater Bay.

 

" More than 6000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) and 11,000

US troops would take part, " he said. Land forces will train primarily

in the Shoalwater Bay area..

 

Maritime forces will exercise off Queensland's coast in

the Coral Sea, while Australian and US fighter jets and transport

aircraft will operate from the RAAF Base Amberley, in the state's

south-east, and Townsville, in the north.

 

" Talisman Sabre merges past combined training exercises,

Tandem Thrust and Crocodile, " he said. " It will help improve ADF/US

combat readiness and interoperability. "

 

Just how closely and for how long will our troops be

" merged " with US troops?

 

The residents at Lancelin WA are very unhappy since the

arrival of American war ships using the firing range nearby at all

hours of the day and night. This relaxed W.A. coastal town is part of

the Coral Coast and is promoted as being " perfect for tourists who are

interested in adrenaline sports. Recognised worldwide as an excellent

venue for windsurfing and sandboarding on the amazingly large, white

sandhills. Offshore islands and reefs are great for fishing and diving. "