Nuclear report fallout spreads
The final report from South Australia's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission has been released.
The report (available here) says that is public support is high enough the SA Government should pursue plans for a high- to intermediate-level waste dump.
The report by commissioner Kevin Scarce made 12 recommendations, including pursuing a waste dump, making mining approvals processes clearer, and making efforts to reduce federal restrictions on nuclear power generation.
Earlier findings released in February said SA could host a high-level waste nuclear dump storing 138,000 tonnes of spent fuel from around the world, and proposed a separate “above-ground interim storage facility” as well.
SA Premier Jay Weatherill says it is just the start of the conversation.
“The royal commission's final report provides a substantial evidence base for the South Australian community to embark on this discussion,” he told a media conference.
“I want to encourage all South Australians first to keep an open mind, secondly to appraise themselves of the facts that are contained within the report — and thirdly, for as many of them as possible, to participate in this most important debate about SA's future.”
South Australian Liberal senator Sean Edwards says the state could earn billions processing other countries' nuclear waste.
“I just urge people to take the time to get to understand what this proposal actually is, but then have a look at the beneficial nature of what we can achieve,” he said.
“This is a very significant revenue opportunity for SA and we need more revenue.”
Dr Helen Caldicott - a paediatrician and founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility - has campaigned against nuclear industries for decades.
She says no technology exists to safely store nuclear waste in the long term.
“It's [the royal commission report] exactly as I expected. It's really been a snow job, if you like,” she told the ABC.
“Paid for by the State Government, to the tune of millions of dollars, to set up a high level nuclear waste dump in SA for much of the world's radioactive waste.
“SA has a great reputation for agriculture and I travel a lot overseas, particularly in the US.
“That extraordinary reputation will be totally destroyed and it will impact upon the agricultural facilities of SA it all seems quite absurd.”