Antinuclear

Various groups oppose plan for nuclear submarine base – ”a military target” at Port Kembla, New South Wales

Planes, trains, automobiles … and nuclear subs: the local issues at play in the federal election

Guardian  Stephanie Tran and Khaled Al Khawaldeh, Mon 2 May 2022

 ………….Submarine base in Port Kembla

Max, 26, works for a non-profit and lives in the electorate of Cunningham, held by retiring Labor MP Sharon Bird. He is worried about the prospect of a base being built in Port Kembla to house the future nuclear-powered submarines to be built under the Aukus agreement.

“This announcement was made with no consultation with the community, no proposal for consultation moving forward and a potential for my home to have a giant target on its back,” he said.

The Wollongong suburb, 100km south of Sydney, was flagged by the Coalition as the potential home of its new nuclear-powered submarine base. However, experts have raised concerns that the base could endanger the community by making it a military target, and some in the community are wary over the safety of the submarines’ nuclear reactors.

Alison Byrnes, the Labor candidate for Cunningham, said that if elected she would ensure that the community was consulted on the decision.

“I will make it a priority to seek a detailed briefing from the minister for defence on this plan, as well as Defence’s proposed assessment process,” she said.

The Liberal party emphasised the economic benefits of the project, but did not address the community concerns……..

Greens candidate Dylan Green said he did not want to see his community “getting caught up in a nuclear arms race”.

“Our government should be strengthening diplomatic ties with neighbouring states, not inviting conflict by investing in warships with primarily offensive capabilities,” he said.

Alexis Garnaut-Miller, from the Australian Citizens party, was “absolutely and resolutely opposed to this nonsensical proposal of building nuclear submarines or any development of nuclear submarine presence in Port Kembla”…… https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/may/02/planes-trains-automobiles-and-nuclear-subs-the-local-issues-at-play-in-the-federal-election

May 2, 2022 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | New South Wales, Opposition to nuclear, weapons and war