Opposition to nuclear reactor grows

Opposition to nuclear reactor grows

By Chris Spindler

SYDNEY — Citizens Against a Nuclear Reactor (CANR) has been formed to oppose the federal government's plans to build a new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights. CANR is calling on the government to give it the same funding to oppose the proposal as Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) was given to promote it — $6 million.

Submissions on the environmental impact statement close on December 6. The EIS, prepared by ANSTO, was released only on November 8.

Genevieve Rankin, a Sutherland councillor, said that the EIS must include a full site selection process "with all the criteria being made publicly available". She added that the costing did not include adequate management of the highly radioactive spent fuel or decommissioning.

A survey shows that 83% of residents oppose the new reactor.

"There has never been any independent monitoring of radioactive emissions from the site. The public can have no confidence in the EIS until these and other matters are at least considered", Rankin said.

CANR is demanding more time for submissions to the EIS. CANR can be contacted on 9545 3077, or write to PO Box 595, Sutherland 2232.

From GLW issue 300