Illawarra and Port Kembla targetted in nuclear waste transport plan

“The potential dangers of transporting nuclear waste down the steep and accident-prone roads leading to Port Kembla is irresponsible,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“ANSTO have written to federal and state MPs informing them that waste will be transported by truck to a port in the Sydney/Illawarra region for shipping to the US for reprocessing.

“Following meetings organised by ANSTO in Wollongong Port Kembla appears to be favoured by the authorities for the truck to ship transfer.

“The safety of Illawarra residents is now at risk through this covert operation to transport by truck high level radioactive waste through communities.

“The route and time that this transportation will occur should be immediately released to the people of the Illawarra. Secrecy only allows for a sloppier approach to safety.

“The government must also develop and publicly release a comprehensive emergency response plan.

“The Illawarra is notorious for accident black spots and truck accidents. The risk of a nuclear container going up in flames is increased as a result.

“The nuclear industry has always operated with a high level of secrecy and this is another example of the light being kept off to avoid accountability. 

“Only with openness can the government be held accountable for how this highly dangerous material is managed during the transportation process.

“When parliament resumes in March the Greens will attempt to ascertain what level of involvement Port Kembla will have in this shipment.

“Retaining this spent fuel at Lucas Heights is the best way to eliminate risks from transportation.

“A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Transportation of Nuclear found that ‘There is no doubt that the transportation of radioactive waste increases the risk of accident or incident (including some form of terrorist intervention)’, Ms Rhiannon said.

Contact: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568