NSW: Raid proves security lax - Greenpeace

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2001
NSW: Raid proves security lax - Greenpeace

SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - The storming of Sydney's Lucas Heights nuclear reactor proved
there had not been any security increase at the facility since the September 11 terrorist
attacks, Greenpeace said today.

Almost 50 environmental activists yesterday invaded the southern Sydney site, scaling
fences and climbing high towers to unfurl anti-nuclear banners.

A total of 46 protesters were arrested and charged with trespass.

The incident prompted a review of security at the site and a pledge by NSW Police Commissioner
Peter Ryan to increase the police presence.

Greenpeace activist James Courtney, one of those involved in the protest, said the
incident proved access to the facility was easy.

"We knew the front gate security was incredibly lax, but what we really wanted to do
was test the high-security areas," Mr Courtney told Channel Seven.

"They've got very large perimeter fences and sensors and video surveillance and it
looks like we foiled all of that and got in before they knew what was going on."

"It just goes to show while ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)
has said it's upped the security you've got to wonder. I don't really think you can trust
anything ANSTO says.

"After September 11, ANSTO declared they had beefed up security, that (the reactor)
was highly secure and nothing like that could ever happen in Australia.

"We proved that it's all a bit of a joke."

Mr Courtney denied the protesters had acted irresponsibly, and did not rule out further
protests at the site.

"I think ANSTO better get used to protests down there," he said.

"If they want to build a new reactor next year, this is going to be a huge national
issue and they'd better get used to it."

He also said there was no need for another nuclear reactor in Australia, as proposed
by ANSTO for Lucas Heights.

AAP nf/las

KEYWORD: REACTOR GREENPEACE

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.