October 28, 2024
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud is optimistic about the future of nuclear power generation in Queensland following the election of a State LNP government on Saturday.
During the election campaign, LNP leader David Crisafulli and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington stressed on several occasions that nuclear energy was “not part” of the LNP’s plans for Queensland, however Mr Littleproud told SBS on Monday morning he was “very confident” he would be able to work with Mr Crisafulli about the Federal Coalition’s plans.
And he emphasised again that he believed the construction of a nuclear power plant at Tarong was “very popular” in Kingaroy.
“I think if David comes with me, even into my own electorate in Kingaroy, he’ll see where one of the nuclear power plants is going at Tarong, is very popular,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I’ve had the courage of my convictions to say I want it in one of my communities.
“I have got to say that that we’ve been working with that community to make sure that they do have a future … not one that lasts for 10 years with a solar panel or wind turbine, but lasts 80 to 100 years so that they have jobs, and their kids have jobs but their grandkids will have jobs.
“That’s the legacy I’ve been given the privilege to go to Parliament to leave to the next generation and that’s what Peter Dutton and I am going to get on with the job and do, and I’ve got every confidence that we can work with David.”
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The House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy was scheduled to hold its second public hearing in Canberra on Monday.
The Parliamentary committee has been established to report on the consideration of nuclear power generation in Australia.
Committee chair Dan Repacholi MP, the Federal Member for Hunter, said the committee was looking forward to continuing to hear evidence from stakeholders who may have a role in any future Federal nuclear energy policy and experts with knowledge of nuclear energy.
“We are continuing to set the scene and gather information as to where Australia currently stands with regards to nuclear energy regulation and policy and how nuclear energy would fit into Australia’s current energy mix,” the MP said.
At its first hearing last week, the inquiry heard that it could take up to 15 years to establish nuclear power plants in Australia and up to 30 years to develop disposal sites for high-level nuclear waste.
In the meantime, waste produced by nuclear power plants might have to be stored at the generation sites.
More information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference are available on the Committee’s website
Submissions to the inquiry must be received by Friday, November 15.
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Mr Littleproud and Mr Dutton – maybe nuclear gives jobs for the next 100 years. Although I don’t see exactly how many of the not-so-well-educated Australians would have the skills to work in such a place.
But nuclear will also create waste that will be around for the next several thousand years, and I am still waiting for reassurance that you pro-nuclear people plan to store that waste safely.