(Photo: Supplied)
February 26, 2024
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud says he would have “no worries whatsoever” living next to a nuclear reactor.
The Nationals Leader, who last week said he was prepared to lead the community in discussions about having a nuclear power plant in the Kingaroy region, reiterated his support for the introduction of nuclear power generation in an interview with Sky News on Monday morning.
He told Sky News host Laura Jayes he was proud of the fact The Nationals had led the debate over nuclear energy.
“I made it clear to Peter Dutton when we signed up as a Coalition that The Nationals will be prosecuting it. But he had the courage to now make it with me, our Coalition policy,” Mr Littleproud said.
“But let me just make this clear that we already have a nuclear industry in Lucas Heights, and there’s houses selling less than a kilometre from Lucas Heights for $1.5 million.
“But what we want to do is be honest with the Australian people about what our energy mix should have. Because if you have a concentration of energy solutions that this government has, which is just renewables, that’s what they want to get us to.
“Why would you put all your energy eggs in one basket when you spread the risk? And where existing coal-fired power stations are replaced with small scale modular nuclear or a nuclear energy solution where you don’t need more transmission lines.”
Ms Jayes asked Mr Littleproud if he would rather live next to a nuclear reactor or a wind farm.
“I’d have no worries living next to a nuclear reactor whatsoever,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I think we’re a smart country and we’ve got to change the culture of this country of finding reasons why not to do things rather than how do it. And I think this is where unfortunately, we’ve allowed the minorities to overreach rather than some common sense and some education, some proper education around where we can put these facilities and preserve the jobs that are there, that are already in coal-fired power stations. That takes courage.
“I’m prepared to be proved wrong.”
“Let’s fight out in the marketplace, remove the ban and back Australian industry, back Australians to get the regulatory guide rails. To make sure that we’re a safe producing nuclear power.
“We’re going to have one anyway. We’re going to have a nuclear industry because we’re going to nuclear subs. Wouldn’t we actually extend that to make sure we’ve got reliable, affordable power?
“That’s zero emissions. That’s just common sense. And that’s what I’m prepared to lead, and I’m prepared to be proven wrong in the marketplace. Yeah. But let’s open up, let’s see who’s wrong.”
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