Western Australia's peak environment group today expressed concern that Australian uranium could be involved in the unfolding nuclear disaster in Japan, demonstrating that Western Australian uranium could be involved in similar accidents if plans to mine uranium in WA go ahead.

Mia Pepper, Nuclear Free Campaigner of the Conservation Council said, "Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by the disastrous events unfolding in Japan and those evacuated from the Fukushima nuclear power plant."

"The seriousness of the nuclear emergency at six of Japan's nuclear reactors has directs links to Australian uranium which is sold not only to Japan but to Tokyo Electric Power TEPCO the operator of the two Fukushima plants experiencing melt down and cooling problems.

"TEPCO have a long reputation of falsification of information and cover ups. Despite the lack of transparency and the known problems at TEPCO's reactors, Australian uranium suppliers BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have continued to supply uranium to them."

"This is the most unfortunate reminder about the dangers of nuclear power and the nuclear industry. When safeguards fail there is nothing that can be done to contain the fall out, this is the stark reality of nuclear power generation.

"Even when there is not a nuclear disaster of this magnitude the industry is constantly producing radioactive waste. The situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant clearly shows that nuclear accidents can and do happen. We know from previous nuclear disasters that when things go wrong they are catastrophic with tragic loss of life and intergenerational sickness.

"We hope that some good can come from this tragedy, with our leaders and community learning important lessons about the unacceptable dangers of the nuclear industry.

We have a chance to prevent Western Australian uranium playing any part in the dangerous nuclear industry by leaving it in the ground. There could not be a clearer argument for the State Government to abandon plans to allow uranium mining in WA," concluded Ms Pepper.

Pic: West Australians gathered on Cottesloe beach in response to the catastrophic events in Japan, to light candles for those who lost their lives, those who lost friends and family and to send prayers for those who are affected by the unfolding nuclear disaster.