Queensland could be home to a nuclear power plant under a plan by the Morrison Federal LNP Government.
Two senior LNP figures in Queensland have called for an inquiry into nuclear energy with the Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor insisting he has an “open mind”.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the two key agitators for Queensland nuclear power are senior Queensland LNP Senator James McGrath and Federal LNP Member for Hinkler (based in the Bundaberg region) Keith Pitt.
“Senator McGrath and Keith Pitt want to put a nuclear power plant in Queensland’s backyard,” Mr Dick said.
“The Palaszczuk Government will fight this every step of the way, to keep Queensland nuclear free.
“Nuclear power plants pose a significant risk to our tourism, agriculture, and industrial development.
“Just think Fukushima and Chernobyl and that’s our future if the LNP gets its way.
“Time and again Queenslanders tell the LNP they don’t want nuclear power plants up and down the coastline.
“Now is the time for the Queensland LNP leader Deb Frecklington to rule this nonsense out, once and for all.”
Mr Dick said the cost running of a nuclear power plant was approximately $200 per megawatt, or five times the cost of wind and solar.
“Nuclear power will need significant Federal Government subsidies to be viable which will distort the energy market.
“Any transition to nuclear by the LNP has the potential to kill off renewables such as solar and wind and the Palaszczuk Government’s plans to develop a clean, green hydrogen export industry.
“It is clear that renewable energy is the way forward and it is Queensland at the forefront, taking action.
“We know the Campbell Newman and the LNP wanted to reopen radioactive uranium mines in Queensland.
“The Opposition Leader and the LNP owe it to Queensland to come clean on their plans for nuclear powered future.
“They have flirted with uranium before and they’ll do it again because like cuts, sacking and asset sales, nuclear is in their DNA.
“Nuclear and the LNP just aren’t worth it.”
