The federal government has introduced legislative amendments to support the delivery of a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility at Napandee, near Kimba in South Australia.
The National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment (Site Specification, Community Fund and Other Measures) Bill 2020 will give the Parliament a say on this infrastructure.
A petition against the project has reached 11,205 people, with many Traditional Owners, farmers and community leaders in the region pushing against the project.
However, a survey by the federal government held in November last year revealed from 734 votes in the town, 452 (61.58 per cent) voted yes, while 282 (38.42 per cent) voted no.
The new Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said that the legislation would provide certainty, particularly to the nuclear medicine industry.
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“More than 80 per cent of Australia’s radioactive waste stream is associated with the production of nuclear medicine which, on average, one in two Australians will need during their lifetime,” Minister Pitt said.
“If we want the benefits of nuclear applications, which are used in the diagnosis of heart and lung conditions and the treatment of specific cancers, we have to deal responsibly with the waste produced …
“The Bill delivers on the Government’s commitment to site the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility at Napandee, near Kimba and enables the establishment of a $20 million Community Fund.
“This $20 million fund will support long-term infrastructure and development priorities for Kimba, delivering on our funding commitments to the Kimba community.
“This Bill also provides certainty to all the communities who have engaged in constructive consultations for over four years.
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“I thank the people of Kimba, Hawker, Quorn and surrounds, Traditional Owner groups, the Kimba District and Flinders Ranges councils and the Outback Communities Authority for their participation in this process.
“In particular I thank the Kimba community for their considered and constructive approach, and look forward to working with all community members to deliver this facility.”
Today’s announcement comes after Napandee was identified as the site for the facility on February 1.
The Bill will be referred to committee, which will give the Parliament and other interested stakeholders further opportunity to engage in the legislative process.
