Friends of the Earth Australia’s Submission to Environment Minister calls out the dishonesty in the proposal for a national nuclear waste dump at Kimba, South Australia
Provide reasons for why you believe this is/is not a controlled action.
As a significant “nuclear action” under the EPBC Act this Nuclear Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF) Referral is a “Controlled Action”.
IT REQUIRES A FULL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT / STATEMENT (EIA/EIS) AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PUBLIC ASSESSMENT.
In a nuclear action “the whole environment” is the “Matter of National Environmental Significance” protected under the EPBC Act. An EIA/EIS is warranted to cover the scope of this protected matter.
The behaviour of the Morrison government and the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) in relation to the imposition of a national nuclear waste dump in SA has been disgraceful. If Minister Sussan Ley is minded to require anything less than a full EIA/EIS at the highest level of assessment, she should consider the following:
1. The new South Australian government is clearly opposed to the dump, primarily because of the crude racism of the Morrison’ government’s willingness to impose a dump on Barngarla country despite the unanimous opposition of Barngarla Traditional Owners. Expect a hardening of that opposition if anything less than a full EIA/EIS is required.
2. Media silence is far from guaranteed as evidenced by the extraordinary recent coverage in The Australian and The Advertiser ‒ both Murdoch publications ‒ regarding BHP’s mismanagement of the Olympic Dam mine and in particular its mistreatment of Traditional Owners:
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/dam-busters-aborigines-battle-bhp-over-water-rights/news-story/5771234ab2fca122009e83720ecbaf01
https://todayspaper.adelaidenow.com.au/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=23a5b7bd-e6d5-4a82-972e-347f65874b3a
And also widespread national and international media coverage of Rio Tinto’s crimes at Juukan Gorge.
3. Community opposition to the dump in South Australia is building. Expect it to build further if anything less than a full EIA/EIS is required.
Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is the ‘proponent’ in this NRWMF Referral, as a non-independent office of the Industry Department. The Environment Minister must not make a decision to approve and allow the nuclear dump to proceed on the inadequate limited basis of non-independent input by the proponent, or on the basis of anything less than a full EIA/EIS at the highest level of assessment.
A public impact assessment must be carried out under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ( EPBC Act). ARWA wants something less than a full EIA/EIS due to a separate ARPANSA licensing process, but the ARPANSA process covers different issues, under different legislation, and in no way could substitute for a full EIA/EIS under the EPBC Act. The ARPANS Act does not protect nor assess ‘the whole of environment’ protected matter involved here under the EPBC Act.
ARWA’s claim there is no alternative to the proposed dump is dishonest and Minister Ley is obliged to call out that dishonesty. Many alternatives are available. See for example the proposals in the paper online at:
https://nuclear.foe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Responsible-Radioactive-Waste-Management-The-need-for-an-Inquiry-Final.pdf
In particular, the implicit claim that there is no alternative to ongoing storage of intermediate-level waste (ILW) at ANSTO is absurd and dishonest. Clearly ILW should remain at ANSTO because: a large majority of ILW is already stored there (well over 90 percent measured by radioactivity); Australia’s nuclear expertise is concentrated at ANSTO; security at ANSTO is vastly superior to that proposed at the Kimba dump site; it avoids unnecessary transportation; it avoids unnecessary double-handling given that the final disposal site for ILW will not be at Kimba (and could easily be in NSW or any state/territory).
The proposal to store ILW at Kimba is absurd and must be clearly rejected by Minister Ley.
Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) statement March 2022
Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) statement March 2022
Australian First Nations take a stand for all nations.
The war in Ukraine is a reminder that all nuclear facilities can be weaponised against people and that nuclear weapons are not a ‘deterrent’. Instead, these illegal weapons of mass destruction are used in war to threaten and intimidate and prevent support for smaller non- nuclear states.
Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine who have already suffered at the hands of war and in the wake of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. We are watching and we see Russia take control of nuclear facilities and threaten countries with the use of nuclear weapons and we are reminded of why we have fought for so long to keep uranium safe in the ground.
We do not want our country being used in weapons to destroy other people’s country and lives. We do not want a mineral from our country fuelling reactors and waste facilities which can be weaponised against civilians in war.
We send our support to Ukraine and stand in solidarity with people world-wide for a safe, nuclear-free and peaceful future.
https://mirarr.net/news_items/australian-first-nation-s-take-a-stand-for-all-nations?fbclid=IwAR2g3_ez_QBeBZ-5zHE8QlS9g-bXuqhGS_iC7mPDkMYOfzbKprllQciN7Qk
Taylor’s latest $50m gas subsidy splurge deplored as “slap in the face for flood victims” — RenewEconomy
Morrison government pours more money into the gas industry, defying calls for Australia to stop the expansion of fossil fuel industries. The post Taylor’s latest $50m gas subsidy splurge deplored as “slap in the face for flood victims” appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Taylor’s latest $50m gas subsidy splurge deplored as “slap in the face for flood victims” — RenewEconomy
“Stupid investment”: UN chief slams coal and Australia in extraordinary climate speech — RenewEconomy
UN chief Antonio Guterres slams Australia as a climate “hold out” and labels coal a “stupid investment”. The post “Stupid investment”: UN chief slams coal and Australia in extraordinary climate speech appeared first on RenewEconomy.
“Stupid investment”: UN chief slams coal and Australia in extraordinary climate speech — RenewEconomy
Thousands of hectares approved for projects that made koalas homeless
Thousands of hectares approved for projects that made koalas homeless
Destruction of more than 200,000 hectares of threatened species habitat has been approved by the federal government in the past decade, a report shows.
Morrison rejoices in high fossil fuel prices, but Ukraine coal gesture will last just days — RenewEconomy
While the world battles with an energy crisis, the Morrison government is celebrating a boom in fossil fuel prices, and making small donations of coal. The post Morrison rejoices in high fossil fuel prices, but Ukraine coal gesture will last just days appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Morrison rejoices in high fossil fuel prices, but Ukraine coal gesture will last just days — RenewEconomy
Nuclear energy development not possible in USA, unless it is tax-payer funded?
What Is Holding U.S. Nuclear Energy Back? OilPrice.com 21 Mar 22,
”……….There are three basic business risks associated with nuclear power for an investor-owned utility: financing, operating, and sales. (Four if you add in new construction risk which is not inconsequential.) The simple reason no US investor-owned utility — apart from Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle—- is building or considering new nuclear investments is the first risk, financing. To paraphrase a former NYC mayoral candidate, the capital costs are “too damn high”. By any metric, nuclear power is economically uncompetitive. According to the recent Lazard study comparing the cost of new power generation, it is about three times more costly than natural gas and five times more costly than new wind and solar.
This begs an obvious question. How can we have more of something if it is wildly, economically uncompetitive? The answer is simple: eliminate the consideration of economics from new power plant development. Take for example a large nuclear construction project at Turkey’s four-unit Akuyu nuclear power station. In the US that is a $40+billion capital project. No US investor-owned utility has the balance sheet to handle multiple unit projects of that size. Only the US government has the borrowing capacity for projects of that magnitude and risk. This, in turn, suggests that new nuclear power plant development will only occur in the US If we compromise on our free enterprise principles and take new nuclear plant development out of the private sector entirely. These enormous financing risks are now impossible to comfortably absorb in a corporate setting where they must be constantly balanced against shareholder interests. ….’
UK might launch a ‘state-owned’ (i.e. tax-payer-funded) nuclear company
Government ministers are mulling over plans to launch a state-owned
nuclear company, which would assume stakes in future domestic projects.
Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng is considering the move as he looks to
speed up the development of nuclear plants – which have suffered years of
delays- and reduce the UK’s reliance on foreign energy, according to The
Sunday Times.
City AM 20th March 2022
Chernobyl radiation monitors ‘not working’
Chernobyl radiation monitors ‘not working’ https://www.cessnockadvertiser.com.au/story/7667680/chernobyl-radiation-monitors-not-working/?cs=6981Australian Associated Press 21 Mar 22,
Ukraine’s nuclear regulatory agency says the radiation monitors around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, site of the world’s worst meltdown in 1986, have stopped working.
In a statement on Monday, the agency also said there are no longer firefighters available in the region to protect forests tainted by decades of radioactivity as the weather warms.
The plant was seized by Russian forces on February 24.
According to Monday’s statement, the combination of risks could mean a “significant deterioration” of the ability to control the spread of radiation not just in Ukraine but beyond the country’s borders in weeks and months to come.
Management of the Chernobyl plant said on Sunday that 50 staff members who had been working non-stop since the Russian takeover have been rotated out and replaced.
Climate scientists alarmed at unprecedented heat at both the Antarctic and the Arctic
Startling heatwaves at both of Earth’s poles are causing alarm among
climate scientists, who have warned the “unprecedented” events could
signal faster and abrupt climate breakdown.
Temperatures in Antarctica
reached record levels at the weekend, an astonishing 40C above normal in
places. At the same time, weather stations near the north pole also showed
signs of melting, with some temperatures 30C above normal, hitting levels
normally attained far later in the year.
At this time of year, the Antarctic should be rapidly cooling after its summer, and the Arctic only
slowly emerging from its winter, as days lengthen. For both poles to show
such heating at once is unprecedented.
Guardian 20th March 2022
Nearly 60% of USA is in prolonged drought
US drought predicted to worsen this spring as dry conditions spread to
nearly 60 per cent of the country.
Independent 21st March 2022
Renewable energy: Austria, a leader of anti-nuclear advocacy in Europe
Renewable energy: Austria, a leader of anti-nuclear advocacy in Europe, https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/focus/20220321-renewable-energy-austria-a-leader-of-anti-nuclear-advocacy-in-europeBy:
Vianey LORIN|Anthony MILLS, The EU is proposing to put nuclear power on its list of sustainable energy sources. But Austria is threatening to file a case with the Court of Justice of the European Union to get that text annulled. The country has never embraced nuclear energy and is even home to the world’s only power station to have been built but never fired up. Austria produces more than 75 percent of its electricity from renewable energy and is a leader of anti-nuclear advocacy in Europe. Our correspondents report.
March 21 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “Increasing Oil Drilling Won’t Solve High Gas Prices” • More oil drilling will not solve high gas prices, despite what the fossil fuel industry wants you to believe. US Rep Sean Casten (D-IL) pointed out that the oil industry and conservative politicians are both lying when they make the claim that increasing oil […]
March 21 Energy News — geoharvey
This week: Australian nuclear news, and more
Some bits of good news: Giant Floating Solar Panel Flowers Replace Coal in Korea.
Most significant environmental deal since Paris’: UN agrees on landmark plastic pollution treaty. Solar Panels Built From Waste Crops Can Make Energy Without Direct Light. The ‘charismatic’ Mexican tequila fish has been saved from extinction
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I know that it’s all about Ukraine. BUT – is anybody noticing? – the global climate is weird- it’s getting hot at the Poles. In the total scheme of things – that process is going to matter more to the world, even than the Ukraine horror.
Meanwhile, inexplicably, governments are pushing futuristic not-yet -existing gee-whiz nuclear reactors to solve this climate problem, which is already upon us! A space alien, observing us, might have a laugh at that. And also laugh that, just as the Ukraine war is demonstrating the awful danger to nuclear reactors there, politicians are touting nuclear as the safest energy source.!
Oh, and by the way, – the pandemic is still happening.
AUSTRALIA.
Extradition of Julian Assange. REMEMBER – he’s an Australian citizen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv5GDnApfqc
Nuclear.. South Australian Unions stand with Traditional Owners in rejecting nuclear waste dump. A genuine Environmental Impact Statement must thoroughly cover the plan for National Radioactive Waste Dump, including transport issues, and the alternative option.
Report to U.S. Congress on AUKUS agreement, allows Australia access to Highly Enriched Uranium and Plutonium. Australia’s ‘Historic’ Submarine Pact Enters 1st Phase; Will Become Only The 2nd Country With US Nuclear Propulsion Tech. Nuclear testing in Maralinga, sixty years on. HOW AUSTRALIA GOES TO WAR.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton off-target with claim Labor cut billions from defence.
Scott Morrison says coal power stations should ‘run as long as they possibly can’ Honest Australian Government explanation on the flood crisis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFy2TuPDaw After the flood: Lismore’s future in doubt with 4000 homes uninhabitable. What does a ‘once-in-100-year’ weather event actually mean?
INTERNATIONAL
A “no-fly zone” does not becalm the skies. Veterans warn against no-fly zone in Ukraine: Examine Western propaganda critically. Putin’s ‘Peaceful Atom’ Apocalypse Draws Closer by the Minute. How Much Less Newsworthy Are Civilians in Other Conflicts?
Chris Hedges: Waltzing to Armageddon .
HELEN CALDICOTT: Russia’s war could spell worldwide nuclear disaster. International Committee of the Red Cross calls for States to join UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The $multibillion question. Will UKraine have to pay for all those foreign weapons?
“Russian Invasion of Ukraine Spotlights the Dangers of Nuclear Reactors in War,”
Why New Technology Is Making Nuclear Arms Control Harder.
Fears of nuclear war in Europe stoke demand for fancy bunkers.
What the nuclear industry and its supporters have to say about the economic viability of nuclear power.
ANTARCTICA. Record minimum amount of Antarctic sea ice. Temperatures in eastern Antarctica are 70 degrees warmer than usual.
ARCTIC. Exceptional warmth at North Pole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nJczShXwaU
UKRAINE. Zelensky Says He’s ‘Cooled’ on Joining NATO, Ready for Talks With Russia on Crimea, Donbas. Shrouded in doubt: safety issues at Russian-occupied nuclear stations in Ukraine. Electric Power Restored to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Plant. Safety fears, as Chernobyl nuclear staff tired and stressed. Danger of radioactive disaster at Chernobyl and other nuclear sites, with exhausted staff, and risk of loss of remote control. Understanding the war in Ukraine. What next for Ukraine’s nuclear sites and Wylfa and Trawsfynydd?
Zelensky Announces Ban on 11 Political Parties-, although no evidence linking any to Russian government.
Thought for the day – Global heating rockets up at the Poles – and nuclear is just too late to matter.
It’s 28 degrees Celsius warmer than usual in the Antarcticm and 18 degrees warmer in the Arctic. And wildfires raging in Texas. But nuclear propagandists are recommeniding technologies that don’t even exist yet -the magical unicorns of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors as the solution to this runaway climate change.
It would be a joke, if this were not so serious – as Australia’s top nuclear propagandist, Adi Paterson, pushes for a switch to nuclear powee in a country that is successfully implementing truly clean wind and solar.
1 This month.
20 September –National Day of Action in Melbourne on the International Day of Peace
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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Australians deserve the truth
about
AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 