Antinuclear

Government abandons plan to dump nuclear waste near Kimba, sparking new hunt for dump site

ABC , By political reporter Matthew Doran, 10 Aug 23

Key points:

• The planned nuclear waste site near Kimba, SA, has been formally abandoned
• The Federal Court ruled against Coalition plans to dump nuclear waste there
• The Opposition claims it is a massive setback

…………………………………………………………. In parliament, Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said the government respected the court decision.

“The Albanese Labor government does not intend to pursue Napandee as a potential site for the facility, nor is the government pursuing the previously shortlisted Lyndhurst and Wallerberdina sites,” Ms King said.

She revealed all work on the Napandee site had ceased.

“Any activities that have already been conducted were non-permanent and will be reversed or remediated,” Ms King said.

“The site is currently being supervised to ensure it remains safe and cultural heritage is protected while we work through dispossession of the land.”

The Coalition immediately took aim at the announcement, accusing Labor of a “legacy failure” and “abandoning years of work”………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Nuclear storage site still needed

Ms King said Australia needed a nuclear storage facility, but argued it could not be at the Napandee site.

……………………………….. “The site of Australia’s only nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights can safely store waste on site for some time, but we must ensure this waste has an appropriate disposal pathway.”

She argued the government remained committed to finding a solution.  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-10/kimba-nuclear-dumping-plan-abandoned/102711320

August 10, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, Federal nuclear waste dump