Highlights of Australian Government Nuclear Information Session in Kimba

Dave Sweeney, 8 Aug 18 an update of the highlights from last night’s federal agency forum in Kimba: https://www.eyretribune.com.au/story/5569566/nuclear-information-session-in-kimba/

Between 120-150 people put in three hours in a very cold hall listening to presentations from ARPANSA, ANSTO, DIIS and others then to responses to pre-submitted questions.

As usual there was considerable running down of the clock and unrelated/ off the mark responses – but still a fair bit of interest and use, including:

ARPANSA

no urgency to move ILW from Lucas Heights – this was clear and repeated – proponent would need to prove need/ rationale and safety case
new ARPANSA code has reaffirmed that siting on agricultural land is less preferred (nb: this is guidance, not a requirement)
will require two separate license applications for LLW and ILW as they have different requirements
12-18 months further work required on Woomera waste characterisation

ANSTO

lots of detailed nuclear medicine/ science application talk – scant explanation of need to move ILW
CEO agreed with ARPANSA that current ILW storage at LH is ‘safe’
including already returned reprocessed waste returns there is a maximum of five TH81 casks of ILW over the next forty years

DIIS

‘possible no current site will be selected’
uncertainty re transport route and use of local ports
intention is to amend the NRWM Act to make the community benefit fund larger and more directed by some form of community input – but only post site selection
Minister is the sole decision maker and they are expecting some ADJR challenge
ballot is ‘Kimba’s last chance’ – there will no further offers or re-visiting if not supported
Minister wants to make a decision in October