Is there still radiation in Maralinga?
Almost 60 years after British nuclear tests ended, radioactive particles containing plutonium and uranium still contaminate the landscape around Maralinga in outback South Australia. These “hot particles” are not as stable as we once assumed.
Can you visit Maralinga?
It has been off limits for visitors ever since. But with a clean-up of the area, supervised by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority, completed in 2000, the authorities have certified that it is now safe for visitors to tour the facility.
What Aboriginal land is Maralinga on?
Aboriginal people have occupied the Maralinga Tjarutja lands since time immemorial. The land offers cultural, social, economic and spiritual significance for the Maralinga people.
Does anyone live in Maralinga?
The land was taken from its traditional owners, the Maralinga Tjarutja, before an official hand back in 2009. Now, Oak Valley to the north is the largest Aboriginal community on the Maralinga Tjarutja lands. But the former military test site itself is home to three people — two caretakers and a tour guide.
What is the truth about Maralinga?
Britain went on to test 12 atmospheric nuclear bombs at Maralinga. But the worst contamination came from a series of minor trials with nuclear warheads in the early 1960s. Nearly 700 trials of air and land missile strikes were tested over the decade. They released 100kg of radioactive and toxic elements on Anangu land.
What actually happened at Maralinga?
On 27 September 1956 Britain conducted its first test at Maralinga. Britain conducted 12 major trials of nuclear devices across the three sites. Some resulted in mushroom clouds reaching heights of 47,000 feet (14,325 metres), and radioactive fallout blown by wind was detected as far away as Townsville.
Who are the traditional owners of Maralinga?
The Maralinga Tjarutja, or Maralinga Tjarutja Council, is the corporation representing the traditional Anangu owners of the remote western areas of South Australia known as the Maralinga Tjarutja lands. The council was established by the Maralinga Tjarutja Land Rights Act 1984.
How much of Operation Buffalo is true?
The story portrayed in Operation Buffalo has virtually nothing in common with the real events at Maralinga. The makers have taken two real names – Maralinga and Operation Buffalo – and riffed on them. They are of course entitled to do so, as a creative project.
Is Maralinga habitable?
Maralinga declared ‘clean’ and habitable In March 2000 the site was declared ‘clean’ and fully habitable, with the exception of 120 square kilometres at Taranaki that can be traversed but is not safe for occupation.
Who was prime minister during Maralinga tests?
In 1950 Britain’s Prime Minister Clement Attlee approached his Australian counterpart, Robert Menzies, to seek his agreement to test a British weapon on Australian territory.
How true is Operation Buffalo?
Who was prime minister during Maralinga?
The Line of Fire. Australia was not the first choice for the British, but they were knocked back by both the US and Canada. Robert Menzies, Australia’s prime minister at the time, said yes to the tests without even taking the decision to cabinet first.
What does the word Maralinga mean?
The location was named Maralinga, from the now-extinct Aboriginal language, Garik, once spoken by people in the Northern Territory. The word means “thunder”. Maralinga would become synonymous with atomic testing in Australia.
Who was in charge of Maralinga?
Colonel R. Durance
There were 170 men in 22 scientific groups, including 39 Australians and 17 Canadians. Another 450 Australian and British personnel formed the Maralinga Range Support Unit (MARSU) under the command of Colonel R. Durance from the Australian Army.
Did anyone died at Maralinga?
Thirty per cent of the British and Australian servicemen exposed to the blasts also died of cancer — though the McClelland royal commission of 1984 was unable to conclude that each case was specifically caused by the tests.
What was the Maralinga nuclear test?
This black-and-white photograph shows a rising mushroom cloud resulting from a British nuclear test conducted at Maralinga in South Australia in 1957. The nuclear test photographed here was one of three tests conducted by Britain as part of Operation Antler, which was designed to test components for thermonuclear weapons.
Who are the people who survived the nuclear tests at Maralinga?
A mushroom cloud rises from desert after a nuclear weapons test at Maralinga. (Supplied) Karina Lester is a second-generation survivor of the British nuclear tests. Her late father, Yami Lester, was blinded during a test at Emu Field.
How dangerous is the nuclear waste in Maralinga?
Radioactive particles in Maralinga remain reactive for longer than previously thought These particles can leach into groundwater, affecting plants, wildlife and humans Native foods from around nuclear sites are still too risky to consume
Did Maralinga radiation cause cancer in Australian soldiers?
Successive Australian Governments failed to compensate servicemen who contracted cancers following exposure to radiation at Maralinga.