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:
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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
I want Australia to be nuclear free because I have children and grandchildren .
It is widely recognized the burden and hazard a nuclear plant presents, in the present and in the very far future. Futhermore, the issue of nuclear waste disposal poses an additional safety issue. Australia has multiple choices of natural energy which obliterate the expensive nuclear option. I hope not to deal with this anymore in this life.
Nuclear needs to run constantly, so do we ignore solar and wind that are clear and safe for everyone in the future of Australia
No way ever keep Australian Nuclear – free for our children to come
I do not want to see what happened in Chernobel. It is too dangerous and also with the increase in earthquakes. It would cost the Country billions which may come out of hospitals funds. Also I do not want to see the remains after so many years end up in our oceans.
I want Australia to be nuclear free because it is of no benefit to the country
I want Australia to be nuclear free. We have so many renewable options.
Too dangerous ask people who survived maralinga
I want Australia to be nuclear-free because cheaper, safer options already exist right now.
I do not want nuclear power because it is too risky – too expensive – there is no effective way to deal with radioactive waste AND we should be investing in solving nuclear fusion instead – while staying on track with renewables.
Do try to learn from other nations, nuclear power is not cheap energy and pollutes the water, soil and air for eons after its usage ceases. Solar, tidal and wind are the smart options.
My children and grandchildren will suffer in the future. We could become more of target for aggressors. Renewables are by far the safer, cheaper, responsible choice
It’s dangerous and dirty the waste can’t be gotten rid of
I want Australia to be free of nuclear energy so our children in the future don’t have to worry about the toxic waste which is a real problem and why countries around the world want to dump it here. Anyone supporting this industry is not considering this important issue.
My whole family was affected by Chernobyl (devastating effects to their thyroid and reproductive health). There is no place to open up Australia to this same risk and repeat history. We can do better for our environment and population.
Nuclear power is not safe. We should keep out here.
Simple, its about as dangerous as could be,
This has to be the most irrational idea and dangerous as well!
We are clean and green country we should keep Australia clean and green