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
we cannot risk the repercussions of a nuclear accident. We also cannot keep doing what we are doing until they would be ready to operate. We must do our utmost NOW.
I do not believe that the risks involved with the use of nuclear power generation and waste disposal are in the populations interest. The recent “policy” announcement by the Liberal Coalition does not consider costs or reasonable timelines and if the longevity of a new power plant is only 70 years it does not represent a long-term solution to adequate power supply for Australia. Renewable options are far more realistic, cost effective and safe.
I want Australia to be nuclear free because it is expensive, disposal of waste is problematic, and there is potential for catastrophic accidents.
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.
Nuclear energy is not conducive to a clean and sustainable future
With the amount of sunlight we have in South Australia we should look at solar rather than the dangerous Nuclear proposal that this government is talking about. Wake up guys and spend our money on SOLAR instead of Nuclear!!
I want my grandchildren to know a world that uses cost effective and natural energy sources,that promote a clean,green future.
It scares the hell out of me! I don"t know of one thing that makes it sound all right.
The idea of using nuclear energy in a country to full of potential for renewables is just plain stupid. And the waste? What does Dutton plan to do with all the toxic waste – whose backyard will that go in? No, no, no
l do not want the toxic & dangerous Nuclear reactors anywhere on our Country. The Nuclear Waste is highly toxic & we do NOT want that poison on our land. This is a destructive & dangerous nightmare & is causing real worry to me & many of my friends. STOP Dutton NOW.
I want it to be free so we can have a healthier and better country and world to live in, our world is being destroyed day by day and if we can minimise the damage, we will have a better place to raise our kids and live our lives
I want Australia to be nuclear free. Our children will inherit many problems to solve, we can see this one coming, we have the choice to select an alternative path, more cheaply, easily and equitably. We owe it to our children to plan for the future, and leave them with a better world. I feel sure that Peter Dutton will not be planning for the nuclear waste dump to be located adjacent to HIS property.
We do not need the problem of nuclear waste. This money could be better spent on renewables and job training to help transfer energy sector jobs.