STATEMENT ON THE FEDERAL COURT’S DECISION ON THE NATIONAL RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY

Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator McDonald, has noted with disappointment the Federal Court’s decision yesterday to set aside the site declaration at Napandee for the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

Senator McDonald said “It is incredibly disappointing the site selection has been set aside by the Courts.

“Every Australian will draw on nuclear medicine in their lifetime and there remains a critical need for a purpose-built, national radioactive waste management site in Australia.

“A purpose built facility is essential to support our nuclear medicine industry, which could now be under threat, with more than 90 per cent of the waste produced in Australia being linked to our nuclear medicine production.

“The land acquired by the Commonwealth for the site has no native title over it, and numerous ballots showed the majority of the local community, council and neighbouring properties all supported the facility.

“The former Coalition Government proactively engaged with the local Kimba community and Barngarla people, and underwent a significant consultation process over a number of years.

“Following the Federal Court decision, it is now up to the Government to take steps to ensure the secure and efficient management of Australia’s radioactive waste.”

The selection of the site in South Australia received bi-partisan support from both Labor and Coalition Governments, and as Minister King said on 6 June 2022, “The declaration of the site at Napandee was a step forward in ensuring Australia can safely and securely manage its radioactive waste, waste that is not going to go away.”

ENDS