Joanna Supports Nuclear Industry- Shoalhaven Reactor Now Likely

Joanna is now a declared supporter of a nuclear industry for Australia following a trip to the ANU in Canberra to meet with some the Nations top nuclear scientists.

However she still objects to any plans to build a reactor at Jervis Bay but has left open the question of a reactor elsewhere in the Shoalhaven saying that such a development is a "question for the community".

Independent candidate for Gilmore, Of None, reacted today by saying, "She will not defy her Prime Minister’s hell-bent drive to establish 25 nuclear reactors around the country but wants to enjoy the continued support of her electorate by refusing to countenance one at Jervis Bay, one of the most likely sites. She has joined the Nuclear Nimbies”.

“Given that any decision on the location of the reactors is seven to ten years away, any chance that she will still be in a position to prevent a reactor being built in the Shoalhaven is extremely remote”.

Mr. None believes that this election will decide whether or not Australia embarks on the nuclear path and consequently whether the Shoalhaven becomes a target of the nuclear industry.

Dr Clive Hamilton, executive director of the Australia Institute has identified “the area south of Wollongong” as a likely site for a reactor.

Murray's Beach was selected some decades ago as the site for our second reactor and some construction work was begun. It has a number of unique features that make its re-selection more than likely-
1. It has a deepwater port
2. It is within ACT territory and so would not be subject to a challenge from a State government
3. It is next to HMAS Creswell and so has inbuilt security against nuclear terrorism, a very real possibility.

Nuclear reactors require large amounts of water for cooling and so are typically on the coast or near a river with a reliable water flow.

Ms Gash has said that she would oppose the siting of a reactor at Jervis Bay for aesthetic reasons but left open the possibility of a reactor on the Shoalhaven River by saying that any other location was a question of community opinion.

“I am opposed to any nuclear reactors being built in Australia. I believe wholehearted commitment to a mix of alternative energy technologies in combination with energy saving measures is a more viable option to combat climate change,” said Mr. None.

“Under the Government’s plans no reactor will be completed before 2020 but that will be far too late to halt global warming. If a Liberal-National government is re-elected the only thing that may prevent a reactor being built at Murray’s Beach is the fact that the site will probably be under water”.