Nuclear views sought from Coalition MPs

By Kerri Carr

Unions NSW is to approach Coalition MPs in NSW-- both state and federal -- seeking their position on the establishment of a nuclear power plant in their electorate.

The quest follows a commitment made by Gilmore MP Joanna Gash, would told the Illawarra Mercury (November 24, 2006) that she would resign if a nuclear power plant was built on Commonwealth land at Jervis Bay.

The South Coast Labor Council would like to know if all other MPs are also prepared to resign if a nuclear power plant was to be built in their electorate.

Ms Gash's comments arose when South Coast Labor Council Secretary Arthur Rorris said the Federal Government had little choice but to build nuclear reactors on Commonwealth land after the Labor-controlled states vowed they would not be built on their turf.

Mr Rorris wrote to Unions NSW on February 8 explaining South Coast communities are concerned about the Howard Government's nuclear power agenda.

"As delegates are aware the Federal Government is promoting the option of up to 20 nuclear reactors to be built on the eastern coastline," Mr Rorris wrote.

"Given that we have around 500 kilometres of that coastline on the South Coast, our communities have good reason to be concerned particularly given the fact that Jervis Bay is classed as Australian Capital Territory and not protected by NSW state legislation prohibiting the building of nuclear power plants.

"The other reason to be concerned is that in the 1960s Jervis Bay was actually selected as the site for Australia's first nuclear power plant and construction of the foundations and roads had commenced before the McMahon Government shelved the idea the idea in 1971. This left the region with a very strong slab and the best road you're ever likely to travel on in the Shoalhaven as its legacy."

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Last Modified: 22 Feb 2007