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
Surely it is obvious to most Australians by now that we are RULED by rogue governments that will no longer listen to us, the people who elect them? FFS stop voting Liberal, National or Labor.
I have no desire to see Australia messed up trying to find a dump for Nuclear waste. The best alternative is no nuclear industry. If Nuclear medicine is absolutely necessary it should be kept as small as possible.
Are we totally mad !!!
Haven’t we worked out yet that nuclear energy carries unacceptable risks to the health of the inhabitants of Earth ???
For crying out loud !!! The covid crisis should be telling us something about the value of life , but no , some really stupid politicians and business people , leaders of industry want to forge ahead with practices that destroy life , just so they can make an easy buck . An easy buck , for gawdsake . Billions of easy bucks and all they have to do is sacrifice the quality of life of everyone on earth . Big white yachts , and mansions , in a sea of plastic waste , and no-one left to serve the martinis .
Waking up now …….? xo
Nuclear power has no place in Australia’s energy production and should indeed be phased out all over the world. Some things should just be left in the ground. The danger increases with every step in the lifecycle of nuclear power and weapon production and the end product is immeasurably dangerous, long past the lifetime of entire civilisations.
For a viable future for this world we need to get rid of all nuclear activities.
Keep uranium in the ground. Don’t import or bury radioactive waste.
End uranium mining; clean up all old uranium mines and sign and ratify the UN nuclear test ban treaty…..
Please.