- Australia produces nuclear waste from the nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, NSW, operated by Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and from other sources.
- The federal government has been trying to find a location for Australia’s low level and intermediate nuclear waste on aboriginal lands for over 20 years.
- Australia does not need a nuclear reactor for nuclear medicine production or use. Most countries import nuclear medicine isotopes. Less than 1% of Australia’s waste comes from use of nuclear medicine. more…
- Two sites in South Australia are the most recent communities to be approached, and again this has caused enormous division and distress. MAPW believes this damaging cycle must stop. We urgently need an independent inquiry into Australia’s production and disposal of nuclear waste. more…
- ANSTO has plans to develop an export business in nuclear medicine isotopes. This will not only significantly increase the amount of long lived radioactive waste produced, but also require subsidies. ANSTO costs Australian taxpayers $200 million a year, and no public consultation about its decision to increase waste production has been conducted. Despite claims to the contrary there is no projected global shortage of isotopes (Start video at 50 minutes).
- There is no safe and permanent disposal system for the world’s nuclear waste. This problem generated now by the nuclear weapons and power industries is a poisonous legacy to be passed on to future generations. more …
- Moves in 2016 by the South Australian government to import 1/3 of the world’s high level nuclear waste were abandoned when there was clear opposition from aboriginal traditional land owners, the community and the Liberal party of South Australia. MAPW worked with ACF and the Conservation Council of South Australia to oppose this proposal.
Essential Reading:
- Dr Margaret Beavis: Key Questions Regarding Nuclear Waste, May 2019