Hunter targeted for nuclear site
Newcastle Greens
21 November 2006
Hunter targeted for nuclear site
The Hunter has been suggested as a probable site for a nuclear power station in the immediate aftermath of the release of the Howard government’s review of nuclear energy today.
Speaking to the media at the release of the report, the review head, Dr Ziggy Switkowsky, said that it was often best to site nuclear power plants where existing coal-fired power plants are located.
This statement prompted the ABC’s 7.30 Report host, Kerry O’Brien, to ask the Federal Minister for Industry and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, how he thought Newcastle residents would feel about a nuclear power plant on the shores of Lake Macquarie.
Earlier this year, the Australia Institute identified Port Stephens as having many of the locational requirements of a nuclear power plant.
The Greens candidate for the state seat of Newcastle, Councillor Michael Osborne, said that the Hunter was clearly in the firing line for the nuclear industry.
“Nuclear power advocates have been particularly active in the Hunter media during the run up to the release of today’s report,” Cr Osborne said.
“The nuclear industry will now be lobbying heavily in the corridors of power, and intensifying its public propaganda campaign.
“Newcastle and the Hunter are now firmly at the centre of Australia’s climate crisis debate. The choices we now make - or the choices that we allow to be made for us - will determine the trajectory of Australia’s energy future for many decades.”
Cr Osborne said he would be proposing that Newcastle Council convey to the federal and NSW governments its position as a nuclear free zone, and its consequent continued opposition to nuclear power.
“The people of the Hunter now have a choice: the nuclear option (advocated by John Howard), the “clean coal” con (advocated by John Howard, Kim Beasley, and Morris Iemma), or the sustainable energy future advocated by The Greens, based on demand management and renewable energy technologies.
“Newcastle Council has recently led the way in supporting a cap on coal exports out of Newcastle harbour.
“Now it’s time to also remind state and federal governments that the Newcastle community also says “no” to nuclear.”
