Australia must remain a nuclear-free country.
Nuclear energy and arms are not compatible with a clean future.
The Coalition's nuclear energy plan is light on detail but heavy with danger. 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 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. Promoting nuclear today will keep coal and gas burning for decades to come!
There are many reasons nuclear energy is not a viable alternative for Australia’s energy future:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Tritium destroys dna. Not just of humans but all living things. There is no safe storage of nuclear waste and plans to dump it on indigenous lands will be fought.
I understand building nuclear power stations, based on overseas experience, cost far more and take far longer to build than is ever estimated. It is expensive and undermines our renewable industry
Who will be the inheriting nuclear waste?
Not a sustainable solution to our energy needs.
We already have the best nuclear option ie our sun, it’s free & clean
How can we seriously consider nuclear energy? Its waste is radioactive for hundreds of years. Where can it be stored safely?
Please do all in your power to prevent nuclear energy usage.
The earth cannot sustain such reckless mis-use of its resources. There are numerous alternatives which do far less damage and are sustainable. Read the history of that new nuclear power plant they have been trying to finish in the UK, for decades. That is a salutary lesson for modern times. One we ignore at our peril.
Nuclear power is expensive, dangerous and driven by corporate greed and political ambition. Mustn’t let Dutton and coalition sabotage Australia’s emissions reduction progress again for the sake of our future generations. Hi ironic it is that Conservatives don’t care about conservation.
Nuclear energy is proven to be expensive and dangerous. Work towards a sustainable source of energy.
Due to historic events wwide over decades, it has been proven that it is a disaster area waiting to happen..
There is nothing clean and more importantly safe about nuclear,we need to think of our future our country,our safety,more importantly who in there right minds would like a nuclear plant in their back yard,WOULD YOU.
Dangerously coal financed COALITion using Nuclear to distract Austalians for years of delay.
It’s not about the Nuclear option…that is just a desperate red herring to keep the COAL Barons safe in their coal castles…right Gina ? right Clive?
Delay delay distract delay.
I don’t want to screw up the environment for the future people and animals
Nuclear is old technology, only relevant 50 years ago. Better to provide everyone with solar panels and batteries and more chargers for electric cars.
it is just a distraction, really to prolong the use of fossil fuels.
I want Australia to be nuclear free because nuclear has considerable risks, is not cost efficient to build and detracts from the roll out of renewables.
I want to continue our move towards clean renewable energy manufacturing and this needs to happen quickly.
Why risk another " Chernobyl"
As a poster hanging in my kitchen from the 1980s says
’ keep uranium in the ground "PLEASE!
I am in my late 60’s and have voted for the lib’s all my adult life but not now if they are going ahead with this