TERRORIST cells like Al-Qaeda could target Townsville for uranium to power their nuclear weapons if the controversial Ben Lomond mine is reopened 40km from the city, according to deputy mayor Vern Veitch.

But the State Goverment, which opened the door for the mine to recommence operations by legalising uranium mining across Queensland has accused Cr Veitch of scare mongering.

Cr Veitch, who will address an anti-uranium protest rally in Townsville later this month, said he believed that aside from the “extreme consequences” for Townsville if something went wrong at the mine, it could invite terrorists into our backyard.

“There is a risk nuclear products could fall into the wrong hands in the Middle East or Eastern Asia,” he said.

Cr Veitch said “there is always that possibility,” that the uranium mine could make Townsville a target for terrorists. Especially with the large military base (at Lavarack).”

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said Cr Veitch’s comments were not “sensible” or ­“reasonable”.

“I’m disappointed with that type of alarmist commentary from the deputy mayor of Townsville,” he said.

Cr Veitch also pointed to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster in Japan, which dumped huge amounts of radioactive ­material into the sea following a tsunami. With any uranium mining operations at Ben ­Lomond certain to include a highly radioactive tailings dam, he said it was an “impossibility” to ensure safety at the mine in a tropical region prone to cyclones.

“They definitely haven’t been able to contain spills in tropical Australia and I think it would be an impossibility at this location,” he said.

“The State Mining Warden of the time closed it down (in 1981) because they considered it unsafe ... what makes it safe now?

“I have no confidence that the process is any safer than what it was back then.”

Mr Cripps said any proposed operations at Ben ­Lomond would be subject to a Co-ordinator-General environmental impact statement.

“We have over the last 18 months developed a world’s best practice framework for environmental health and safety issues when this industry recommences in Queensland,” he said.

“That will mean strict environmental and health and safety requirements.”

Citizens Against Mining Ben Lomond spokesman David Sewell fears radioactive materials could be transported via the city to the port and then on to the Great Barrier Reef.

The protest march will start at 9.30am on July 27 on the grassed area behind the Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club.