The federal court has ruled in favor of traditional owners who have been fighting against the development of a nuclear waste facility in Australia. The federal government had selected a site in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, but the court's decision has left the future of the project uncertain. The Barngarla people, who have a sacred site for women near the proposed facility, challenged the decision in court, citing apprehended bias in the decision-making process. The court found that the former federal minister had a "foreclosed mind" on the issue, indicating bias. The ruling is seen as significant in terms of legal precedent and sets a precedent for Aboriginal groups to challenge government decisions. The future of the project is now in doubt, and the government has yet to announce whether it will appeal the decision or seek an alternative location for the nuclear waste storage. Local community members and farmers expressed disappointment, as the project was expected to bring economic benefits to the area. Environmental campaigners hope that the decision will prompt a better management of nuclear waste in Australia.
Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:19:15 GMT | ABC News