Australia must remain a nuclear-free country.
Nuclear energy and arms are not compatible with a clean future.
It's a costly distraction from effective climate action that risks delaying – and even derailing – the sensible, considered and speedy transition to renewables that is already well underway and essential to protect the environment and safeguard our future.
To our elected representatives, we call on you to make Australia nuclear-free:
- End uranium mining and exports, and clean up all old uranium mines;
- Say no to nuclear power – it is high-risk, high-cost and a dangerous distraction from real climate solutions, like clean energy from the sun and wind;
- Take a strong stand against nuclear weapons – this includes signing and ratifying the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty;
- Manage radioactive waste transparently and responsibly.
The exaggerated claims being made by the latest round of nuclear promoters do not alter the evidence which clearly shows nuclear is the worst option for Australia.
There are many reasons nuclear energy is not a viable alternative for Australia’s energy future:
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It takes too long – on average, it takes about nine years to build a nuclear power station and another 10 years for planning and licensing. Effectively that means two decades between first idea and first power. These are the critical decades to immediately reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
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It’s dirty and dangerous – Nuclear power stations pose significant community, environment and health risks. Apart from the radioactive waste they generate, nuclear power stations run on uranium which, like coal and gas, is not a renewable resource.
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It’s far more expensive than renewable options – Modelling shows developing nuclear infrastructure is 5-10 times more expensive than solar and wind. And even if the technology was in place, it would also cost more to produce.
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It needs a lot of water – Nuclear reactors use tonnes of water per second to cool the reactors to produce electricity. This is unlike wind and solar which require little or no ongoing water use.
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We have no proven options for managing long-term radioactive waste – All reactors create waste, and this is a growing and unresolved global management issue. For decades successive governments have tried to impose low and intermediate level waste dumps and stores, predominantly on First Nations lands, across multiple sites in Australia.
We must leave the uranium in the ground to keep our communities and the nature we rely on safe.
Let's get it right and make Australia nuclear-free.
Header image: Sea lions gather on the beach on the Eyre Peninsula. At the top of the Peninsula is Kimba, where the government is proposing to put a national radioactive waste site despite unanimous opposition from Barngarla Traditional Owners
Latest Supporters
Renewables are cheaper and cleaner, to choose nuclear would be foolish
Nuclear is not the solution to climate change. At every stage of the nuclear chain it puts workers the community and the environment at risk. It is too slow, expensive and dangerous and becomes a pre deployed military target like we have seen in Ukraine. And then there’s nuclear weapons and waste and the never ending legacy of uranium mine wastes and failed rehabilitation. Nuclear? No thanks.
Nuclear Plants have been proven unsafe, and costly to build and maintain, producing lots of unwanted toxic waste lasting for centuries.
There is no safe way to dispose of spent nuclear fuel.
We do not need nuclear power and its inherent problems. Australia can provide enough solar and wind power to more than this country’s needs. It’s reasonably priced battery storage that is needed.
The absurdity of thinking nuclear is safe or environmentally friendly is only logical for those with vested interests.
I want Australia to be nuclear fee because it is high-risk, high-cost and a dangerous distraction from real climate solutions, like clean energy from the sun and wind
Renewables so much cheaper and quicker to build. Then there is the waste problem. Why would anyone think nuclear is the right energy source to build!
The world is moving past nuclear power, I don’t want nuclear power in Australia. Plain and simple. It’s not feasible, it should not be pursued.
We have abundance of renewal and sustainable alternatives in the shape of solar & wind power
We need to be looking to protecting what we have left of our land, flora and fauna, water ways, and aquifers from further destruction and pollution…..it can’t keep going on
Nuclear is destructive to life.
We simply don’t need it. We don’t. Let’s finally show our respect for our environment instead of just saying we do.
I want Australia to be nuclear free because I wish to protect all nature and humanity
Keep uranium in the ground for a nuclear-free future!
It’s not a sustainable option as it has been made out to be… It’s a better alternative to coal and gas but that is it