Rowdy protesters target nuclear meeting in Sydney

Noisy protesters targeted a global nuclear conference in Sydney, saying they want attendees to know they are not welcome. About 60 people from a group calling itself the Sydney Anti-Nuclear Coalition were on Wednesday demonstrating in front of the Elizabeth Street hotel playing host to the World Nuclear Fuel Cycle conference.

The coalition is mainly made up of environmental, student and trade union groups.

Police dragged several protesters away after they tried to get into the building and ordered the demonstrators to move on, but made no arrests.

The conference is a nuclear fuel industry event, held annually at different locations around the world.

Australian Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney played down the scuffles and praised the group for braving the wet weather to turn out.

"It's been a bright and bouncy protest. It's had a bit of passion as it should, because there's high stakes here," he said.

"There are people here from Perth, from Melbourne and the Northern Territory and nationally there is a very deep concern about all things nuclear in Australia."

See more at http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/rowdy-protesters-target-nuclear-meeting-20090422-aeml.html