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
We don’t need uranium, old or new or exports, nor do we need nuclear weaponry but we do need such wash dealt with responsibly and with complete transparency.
Let’s work hard in finding alternatives to producing yet more radioactive waste.
When there are so many renewable options available these days, why anyone in their right mind would want or condone nuclear’s dangerous heating mechanism is beyond comprehension. Just so irresponsible when any mishap would mean centuries worth of problems!
My anti nuclear activism has always coincided with my nonviolent action since my late teen years – more than 70 years ago – not long after the Hiroshima & Nagasaki bombs were dropped in 1945. Nuclear waste has as much potential of continuing health problems to people and the natural environment as the explosion of an nuclear bomb.
Lets dump the radio active waste on Morrison’s doorstep while he’s out- so when he comes home, suprise! We are sick to death of Pollies who have no conscience!
I couldn’t have said more than what the ACF has already placed on record here. However, managing radioactive waste already in existence both transparently and responsibly is high on my list of concerns.
It is essential that Australia remains nuclear free. The waste is dangerous for over 1000 years.
Thanks very much responsible Senators for stopping Mr. Morrison to ruin our country.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
Half lives of the waste are MUCH too long.
Nuclear energy is in decline. Solar and wind with storage is cheaper and much simpler. The Nuclear industry should wind up as soon as possible since continuing will only add more costs which the public will no doubt have to bail out.
Use clean energy from wind and sun – both of which we have in abundance in Australia. Plus they leave no harmful waste. It’s cheaper and allows our soil to be used productively and safely for food.