Newport to go nuclear?

From The Star

NEWPORT will fight any plans to build a nuclear power plant in the suburb, its most powerful leaders have pledged.

Williamstown MP and Premier Steve Bracks has introduced legislation into Parliament for a Victoria-wide vote if the Federal Government tries to build a reactor in Victoria.

And Gellibrand MP Nicola Roxon has promised to join the fight if a nuclear power plant is planned for Newport.

“It is too expensive, too dangerous and not the right solution,” Ms Roxon said.

The Australia Institute think tank listed the suburb, along with Werribee and Avalon, as potential sites for a nuclear power plant in a January paper on the topic.

Mr Bracks said he was extremely concerned at the thought of nuclear power in the area.

“Victorians do not want nuclear power,” he said. “I’m sure the people of Newport do not want nuclear power and Canberra should not be forcing this on anyone.”

Hobsons Bay mayor Leigh Hardinge said it did not make sense to build a large baseload power station in a residential area.

“I would be very surprised if it was ever built in a metropolitan area,” Cr Hardinge said.

Spotswood Ward councillor Bill Baarini said he would fight any nuclear proposal for Newport like “(Anthony) Mundine in a championship fight”.

“If Newport qualifies for a reactor by the (Australia Institute) criteria then I can’t understand why the rest of Australia doesn’t,” Cr Baarini said.

Hobsons Bay Community First co-convenor Tony Briffa has urged residents to speak out early in opposition of any proposals.

“Silence implies consent,” Mr Briffa said.

“I fear if we are not concerned or active about this it will end up being here.”

Mr Briffa said he was concerned about siting a nuclear plant so close to a highly populated residential area as well as the effects of dispersing nuclear waste.

“And I guarantee 100 per cent of residents would feel the same way about it,” Mr Briffa said.

Australia Institute deputy director Andrew Macintosh said that despite being a good candidate for nuclear power, Newport would never be the site of the first reactor for political reasons.

“Politics is the only thing that will write it off,” Mr Macintosh said.

“Some say population buffers (would be a factor in preventing the power station) but there is enough space to have sufficient buffers there.”

Mr Macintosh said he thought Newport would be one of the top 10 locations considered for a reactor because there was more interest siting them in the southern states.

Cr Baarini said he would seek more information on Newport’s potential as a nuclear power site from the Australia Institute and contact the Federal Government.

Mr Briffa said he would consider holding a community forum on the issue to get the full story from policy makers and environmental groups.