Nuclear waste dump plan for NT

9 Mar 2010, 3:35 pm   -   Source: AAP/SBS
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Authorities are considering setting up a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station, north of Tennant Creek (Getty)

Authorities are considering setting up a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station, north of Tennant Creek (Getty)

The Northern Territory is set to house a national radioactive waste dump, after the federal coalition resolved to support government legislation.

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The Northern Territory is set to house a national radioactive waste dump, after the federal coalition resolved to support government legislation.

Opposition energy spokesman Nick Minchin said the coalition had long recognised the need for a central repository, but when in government, had its efforts frustrated by state Labor governments.

"It is much more sensible for waste, resulting from medical and research procedures, to be stored in a secure, specifically designated facility rather than in an ad hoc fashion in various locations across the country, as is currently the case, he said.

Labor kept an election promise by repealing the coalition's Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005.

It is now considering Muckaty Station, 120 kilometres north of Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory, as the site for the facility.

The former coalition government also considered the site, after it was volunteered by its traditional owners.

Meanwhile, federal parliament's public works committee is holding an inquiry into proposed extensions to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) facility at Lucas Heights, in Sydney's south.

The $62.5 million project would include a new building for the Centre for Accelerator Science, to enhance Australia's capacity for research into climate and environmental science, nuclear safeguards and forensics.

The committee will examine whether the need, cost and scope of the proposal is appropriate.

 

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Your Comments

Nukes obsolete, no need for waste.

Dash - from WA, 2 years ago

Clearly we are not thinking... Why are "They" even making stuff we cannot safely dispose of??? Who are the stupid ones that think we need nukes of any form??? Are "They" too Arrogant? Ignorant? Obstinate? Blind? or Fat n Lazy to see the safe alternative we have spent decades and blood, developing? Either way "They" are not from here or won't stick around long enough to clean up their mess... NOT OK!!!

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