Greenpeace Storms   Lucas Heights

Protesting the lack of security at nuclear reactors and plans to build a second reactor at the site, almost 50 environmentalists peacefully stormed Lucas Heights, Australia's only commercial nuclear power plant. Two truckloads of activists drove up to the facility on the morning of December 17, the second day of a local forum about safety of the proposed reactor. A tide of Greenpeace activists in waste barrel costumes flowed off the trucks and through the gates, while others climbed into the facility to deploy banners saying "Nuclear - never safe" at 3 sensitive locations: the high level waste storage building, a radio tower, and the reactor building, where one man chained himself to the building.

Police arrested 46 people for trespass on the site. A detective told the press: "Obviously this sort of incident raises concerns. There will be reviews of security arrangements."

The activists were released pending court appearances now set for February 21.

For more information, contact Greenpeace Australia, Level 4, 35-39 Liverpool St., Sydney 2000, NSW Australia, greenpeace@au.greenpeace.org.