Frank Simpson warns against the pollution of Victoria’s agricultural land by thorium/uranium mining
Risk in contaminating a prime green food producing region of Victoria. (3) This implies all stages of the fuel cycle from exploration to waste repository storage.Greens in the Senate will oppose bill to storage nuclear waste at Kimba farm
 Greens to oppose bill to storage nuclear waste at SA farm, Queensland Country Life, Jamieson Murphy@jamiesonmurph18 Feb 2020, THE government may have to negotiate with the Senate crossbench to get through legislation that will transform a South Australian farm into a nuclear waste facility, after the Greens declared their opposition to the bill.
The Kimba farm, which was voluntarily nominated and chosen after a four-year search, would store medical nuclear waste for 100 years. South Australian Senator and Greens nuclear spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said her party would work to block the “offensive” legislation. “The federal government wants to dump on South Australia and we won’t leave it to the community of Kimba to hold the line on their own,” Senator Hanson-Young said. “It is wrong to say there is broad community support. Traditional Owners have rejected the proposal. Once again the Morrison government and [former Resource] Minister Canavan haven’t listened. “A government minister from Queensland thinks South Australia is the place to dump and it’s deeply offensive to the people of SA. “Every South Australian should be concerned this government is more interested in building a radioactive waste dump than they are in investing in renewable energy and our growing potential for green industry.” Labor resource spokesperson Joel Fitzgibbon did not respond to questions about whether his party would support the bill. The recently appointed Resource Minister Keith Pitt introduced the legislation to the House of Representatives last week – just two weeks after the Kimba site was announced – where the government will have the numbers to pass the bill. With the Greens opposing the bill in the Senate and Labor not stating its position, the government will need the backing of either the Centre Alliance or One Nation to carry the bill. A spokesperson for Mr Pitt said the new minister was “working with other parties to deliver the outcome”. “Minister Pitt wants bipartisan support on the National Radiation Waste Management Bill,” the spokesperson said. “This bill has been 40 years in the making and the establishment of a national radioactive waste facility is a national priority.” South Australian Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the federal legislation would override SA’s state legislation….. https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6635712/greens-to-oppose-bill-to-storage-nuclear-waste-at-sa-farm/?cs=4704&fbclid=IwAR17gRLqP-DpCp_Ya5UqDUHu0Tj7y3siBi04TWo1wktCu-ZqtuBRG-PVyaE |
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Solar thermal energy the way forward for Australia- says nuclear expert
Dr Wilson described nuclear power as simply “too risky”.
He also said the cost factor was also a major deterrent from going nuclear.
“It’s not the cost of building it. They are expensive to build and they are expensive to run but it’s the cost of demolition when it gets to the end of its life,” he said.
“Nuclear is not cheap, it’s not safe, and will be destructive to key Queensland industries like agriculture and tourism.”
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Solar thermal power the way forward for Australia despite hiccups, nuclear expert says
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-18/solar-thermal-power-should-be-major-export-expert-says/11971938?fbclid=IwAR3zjCStZwOvdHFGY0EtSWxu4oQ0i43QAgm6O9S5YNW5I3KKna370tb7KtQ ABC Radio Brisbane
By Rebeka Powell 19 Feb 2020, As the world looks to Germany as a shining example of how to shift away from polluting coal power, a Queensland-based nuclear expert says solar thermal power is the way forward for Australia. Key points:
Paul Wilson is an electrical and control systems engineer with almost five decades’ experience who has previously made submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into nuclear power. Dr Wilson told ABC Radio Brisbane’s Steve Austin he was disappointed Australia was not showing leadership or innovation in renewables. “We’re very good in Australia at innovation and at engineering and I think we should take a leaf out of the German book,” he told the Drive program. “And they’re basically trying to systematically close down their coal mining industry but they’re doing it by replacing jobs. So they’re deliberately setting out, for every job that is lost in coal mining, they’re trying to create another job. Continue reading |
Religious leaders urge ScottyFromMarketing to move Australia away from fossil fuels
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Faith leaders press PM on climate action, Herald Sun Heather McNab, Australian Associated Press
February 20, 2020 Religious leaders have appealed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “fellow person of faith” to heed climate science following the country’s catastrophic bushfire season. The open letter – signed by 18 Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders – urges Mr Morrison to show leadership and urgently transition Australia away from fossil fuels. The signatories include: Dr Peter Catt, the Dean of St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane, the Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM, Chair of the Catholic Bishops Commission on Justice, Mission and Service Muslims Australia president Dr Rateb Jneid and Buddhist Council of NSW Religious leaders have appealed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “fellow person of faith” to heed climate science following the country’s catastrophic bushfire season. The open letter – signed by 18 Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders – urges Mr Morrison to show leadership and urgently transition Australia away from fossil fuels. The signatories include: Dr Peter Catt, the Dean of St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane, the Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM, Chair of the Catholic Bishops Commission on Justice, Mission and Service Muslims Australia president Dr Rateb Jneid and Buddhist Council of NSW president Dr Gawaine Powell Davies…. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/faith-leaders-press-pm-on-climate-action/news-story/48ebb95e2fdee026ccc593583ea622ab |
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Divisions within both Liberal and Labor parties over Coal
Both the Coalition and Labor are battling divisions over climate policy and the future of coal.
While a majority of Labor MPs believe the opposition needs to stay the course on climate action, some in the party’s right argue the party needs to be more positive about the coal industry……. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/19/anthony-albanese-backs-adani-coalmine-but-criticises-proposed-collinsville-power-plant
Labor set to reaffirm net zero emissions commitment, oppose funds for coal power — RenewEconomy
Labor leader Anthony Albanese set to use a major policy speech to re-confirm 2050 net zero emissions target, but no word on the party’s interim targets. The post Labor set to reaffirm net zero emissions commitment, oppose funds for coal power appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Labor set to reaffirm net zero emissions commitment, oppose funds for coal power — RenewEconomy
Germany spurns diesel, petrol cars to become biggest EV market in Europe — RenewEconomy
Germany is now the biggest buyer of electric vehicles in Europe, surpassing previous market leader Norway as both diesel and petrol vehicle sales fall. The post Germany spurns diesel, petrol cars to become biggest EV market in Europe appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Germany spurns diesel, petrol cars to become biggest EV market in Europe — RenewEconomy
Ikea to offer home solar systems in Australia, starting this year — RenewEconomy
Swedish furniture giant to launch its complete home solar offering – called SOLSTRÅLE – around Australia in April, starting with employees of the company. The post Ikea to offer home solar systems in Australia, starting this year appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Ikea to offer home solar systems in Australia, starting this year — RenewEconomy
February 19 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “EIA Releases 2050 Projections For Energy And Makes It Clear That It Hasn’t Been Paying Attention” • The US DOE’s Energy Information Administration released its Annual Energy Outlook 2020 report. Unlike Lazard’s annual present to objective observers, the EIA’s reports typically are head-scratchers, and this one is no different. [CleanTechnica] Science and Technology: […]
Tasmania’s Granville Harbour wind farm now sending power to the grid — RenewEconomy
Newest wind farm in Tasmania now sending power to the grid. The post Tasmania’s Granville Harbour wind farm now sending power to the grid appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Tasmania’s Granville Harbour wind farm now sending power to the grid — RenewEconomy
Why immediately revoking coal mining permits could be better for global economy — RenewEconomy
Oxford University research argues for immediate closure of world’s brown coal mines with new analysis suggesting they’re a net drain on the global economy. The post Why immediately revoking coal mining permits could be better for global economy appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Why immediately revoking coal mining permits could be better for global economy — RenewEconomy
Murdoch media headline shock: “Renewables save the day in energy crisis” — RenewEconomy
Here’s a headline you wouldn’t normally expect to read in Murdoch media, although they did manage to get some key things wrong. The post Murdoch media headline shock: “Renewables save the day in energy crisis” appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Murdoch media headline shock: “Renewables save the day in energy crisis” — RenewEconomy
Murdoch media headline shock: “Renewables save the day in energy crisis” — RenewEconomy
Here’s a headline you wouldn’t normally expect to read in Murdoch media, although they did manage to get some key things wrong. The post Murdoch media headline shock: “Renewables save the day in energy crisis” appeared first on RenewEconomy.
via Murdoch media headline shock: “Renewables save the day in energy crisis” — RenewEconomy
To 19 February – Climate and Nuclear News Australia
Climate change is, as always, the big news this week. Some climate models now predict unexpected , unprecedented spike in global temperatures. Can the insurance industry afford the rising flood risk?
Giant iceberg ‘calves’ from Antarctic ice shelf.
The nuclear connection is significant for the UK, too, as sea level rise threatens its new nuclear projects, at Sizewell, Hinkley Point C, as well as existing nuclear reactors and waste facilities at Sellafield and Drigg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tesHVSZJOg
There are many organisations worldwide, that are pushing for, and working on, action to slow or stall global warming. Global Optimism is the latest example, in which Christiana Figueres features, with her new book “The Future We Choose”
AUSTRALIA
MPs Andrew Wilkie and George Christensen to UK to help free Julian Assange.
CLIMATE. For Australia “business as usual” on climate change will cost many $billions. Climate change extreme weather making parts of Australia uninsurable. Reserve Bank says climate change already having profound impact on Australian economy.
New Resources Minister Keith Pitt ignores renewables, pushes for more coal, gas and uranium exports. Australia has done little on emissions, and is not planning much in next decade. #ScottyFromMarketing ‘s bushfire inquiry studiously ‘ignores’ carbon emissions. Coal miners given free ride under Morrison government emissions “caps”. Zali Steggall’s climate Bill, Labor’s befuddlement on coal.
NUCLEAR.
- 143 Anti-Nuclear, 10 Pro Nuclear Submissions (published) to Victorian Parliament. Due by 28 February 2020- Submissions to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Nuclear Prohibition.
- Risk that Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act could be changed to promote nuclear power.
- Greens’call for Australia as nuclear-free zone is defeated in the Senate. Labor stays strongly against nuclear power, despite pro nuke push from one union.
- Australian public unaware of the dangers of small nuclear reactors.
- Nuclear waste dumping: as the Baldock family sells farming land, is the agricultural market for Kimba now stuffed up? Australian government pushes on with nuclear dump, tramples on indigenous rights . South Australia’s grain exports could be at risk, if Kimba nuclear waste dump goes ahead.
- Media coverage of Kimba nuclear waste dump is found wanting. Controversial legislation for Kimba nuclear waste dump is tabled in Federal parliament. Whyalla is targeted for nuclear waste shipments and should have a right to refuse untenable plans. History of Australia’s govt move towards importing nuclear waste.
- NukeMap – what if Australian cities were hit by a nuclear bomb.
RENEWABLE ENERGY Australia’s global opportunity to lead on solar power. Senate backs Greens call for ARENA funding extension as money dries up. #ScottyFromMarketing and his crew – blind to the economics of renewable energy.
Australia must learn to mine rare earths responsibly. Greens leader Adam Bandt seeks new deal with “renewable mining and manufacturing” sector. Holden brand killed off as GM switches focus to electric vehicles.
South Australia’s renewable energy future hampered by lack of electricity infrastructure. Queensland researchers smash solar efficiency record for ‘quantum dot’ solar cells. How rooftop and big solar are pushing coal out of daytime energy market. Wind and batteries saved the day when storm cut South Australia adrift. Australian ‘Solar Skin’ invention could power cities and vehicles of the future.
INTERNATIONAL
#WETOOARE PROTESTERS FREE JULIAN ASSANGE
189 nuclear and radioactive material incidents in 2019.
Radioactive material ‘a magnet for groups with malicious intent’, warns UN nuclear watchdog chief.
Hysteria isn’t killing nuclear power. – It’s the very real dangers and catastrophic costs. Uranium prices at rock bottom- doesn’t help the struggling nuclear industry.
143 Anti-Nuclear, 10 Pro Nuclear Submissions (published) to Victorian Parliament
Submissions published so far to the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Nuclear Prohibition are running strongly ANTI NUCLEAR https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-lc/article/4348
There are currently 143 submissions opposing the nuclear industry.
There are 10 submissions favouring the nuclear industry. (You can bet that vested interests have sent in confidential submissions)
PRO nuclear
1. Don Hampshire ( with attack on ABC, The Age )
2 Robert Heron – vaguely
3 Terje- Petesen
116 Leah McDermott
122 Simon Brink
123 CFMMEU Mining and Energy Division 21 Azark 26 Buchanan, Bill 27 Murphy, Barry 28 Patterson, John
ANTI nuclear
4 Jessica Lawson 5 Pro Forma list of 122 contributors 48 Janet Nixon 49 Karen Furniss 63 Graeme Tyschsen 68 Barbara Devine 76 Vivien Smith
77 Lachlan Dow 81 RVS Industries 92 Alan Hewett and Joan Jones 103 Anne Wharton 106 John Quiggin vague 107 Amy Butcher 109 Nick Pastalatzis 112 Philip White 22 Friends of the Earth 23 Derek Abbott 24 Simpson, Frank 25 Wauchope, Noel 29 Wissink, Bart 30 Sharp, Robyn 31, Smith, Colin
1.This month
For international nuclear news go to https://nuclear-news.net/
Nuclear Power in Australia | FYI
of the week
EVENTS
22 February – Sydney – Climate Crisis: National Day of Action–
more at Action Australia
Victorian Government INQUIRY INTO NUCLEAR PROHIBITIONThe submission closing date is Friday 28 February 2020. more – https://antinuclear.net/2019/11/07/victorian-government-inquiry-into-nuclear-prohibition/
Climate Action (Nuclear has no role)- theme for February 2020
Climate Action Network https://www.cana.net.au/
OUR VISION
A fair and sustainable Australia free of climate pollution, where people and nature are protected from dangerous climate change.
OUR MISSION
Is to support our members and their allies to take actions to protect people at home and abroad from climate change, to safeguard our natural environment, and to build a fair, clean, healthy Australia for everyone.
To do this we will create a diverse network with distributed leadership that links people and organisations working toward our vision. The network will support the setting and achievement of shared goals and be the underlying infrastructure that supports us to work together.
TOGETHER WE WORK TO
- Reduce Australia’s climate pollution to zero, and beyond.
- Transition to a society and economy powered by clean energy and clean exports.
- Protect people, water, air, land, and nature from the impacts of fossil fuel extraction.
- Build climate leadership and resilience in communities most affected by climate change.
- Ensure Australia does its fair-share in international efforts to confront the crisis.
WE WORK BY:
- Building and aligning strategies in common areas of our work.
- Co-designing and collaborating to deliver climate campaigns and projects.
- Co-operating on community-led transition projects.
- Engaging more people and diverse sectors to take action on campaigns connected to climate.
- Developing policies and proposals that will help deliver on our vision.
- Linking to international efforts, networks, and campaigns.
The Network provides infrastructure for ongoing communication between members, as well as convening meetings and working groups for particular regions, sectors, and issue areas.
The CANA Annual Report for 2018/19 details how our network members support each other to build a powerful, connected, diverse and innovative climate movement.
For more information on joining the network, see here.
Free Julian Assange, before it’s too late. Sign to STOP the USA Extradition
FEDERAL. Inquiry into the prerequisites for nuclear energy in Australia Read the published submissions on the Parliamentary website. Read the SUMMARIES of submissions here.
