The Member for Mount Isa and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, Robbie Katter, has welcomed a public debate on uranium, but urged the LNP Government not to use it as another reason to stall mining the resource.

Mr Katter said he applauded the call for the debate from Resources Minister Andrew Cripps after the Queensland Resources Council said it was time to lift the decades-long ban.

Mr Katter urged Minister Cripps to mine the significant uranium deposits in the north of the state.

"This government has untapped wealth at its fingertips, and could deliver itself an unbudgeted boon by working with the Queensland mining industry to kick start the approval processes for uranium mining," he said.

Mr Katter said uranium was mined in Queensland at Mary Kathleen until 1982, and is mined in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, "so why not Queensland?"

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In The Newsport feature 'Ecolibrium - Uranium not the solution' (Friday 21 September 2012) Acting Northern Australia Program Manager for the Australian Conservation Foundation Andrew Picone wrote mining uranium in North Queensland would "create grave risks for us all, particularly North Queenslanders."

He added that those calling for uranium mining were looking to line their own pockets with the proceeds.

"The push to convince the LNP Government to overturn the decade long ban on uranium mining in Queensland most often comes from those with a vested financial interest.

"The Queensland Resources Council and the Australian Uranium Association tell us that it’s time to develop this State’s uranium resources. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions, economic development and Indigenous engagement is provided as convenient justifications.

"However, such justification to create one of the most hazardous industrial wastes just doesn’t stack up. Uranium is not renewable and its radioactivity represents a serious health risk.

"It’s hard to imagine the Australian Uranium Association or Queensland Resources Council speaking out about climate change without a vested interest in selling uranium."

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Ecolibrium - Uranium not the solution