20 South Australians have their say on the nuclear waste dump issue

THE Nuclear Royal Commission has challenged SA to consider taking on a high-level nuclear waste dump in return for billions of dollars. We asked 20 prominent locals to see what they thought.

radioactive nuclear symbol flag Picture: Supplied

THE Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission has challenged the community to consider a different path to economic prosperity. The Advertiser asked 20 prominent South Australians if the state should store the world’s high-level nuclear waste in return for billions of dollars in revenue — here’s what they said. Have your say in the comments below.

Sir Eric Neal, retired engineer and businessman, Governor of South Australia 1996-2001, Chancellor of Flinders University 2002-10.

“My own opinion is, subject to the proper safeguards, I’m favourably disposed to it. It would be a game-changer. I have to say that 10 years ago or thereabouts, former prime minister Bob Hawke proposed this. He was ahead of his time. I thought then it was something that should be looked at and I’m really pleased that the Premier has appointed this Royal Commission to look at it. It’s an issue worth examining.”

Professor Tanya Monro, University of South AustraliaDeputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President: Research and Innovation.

“There is no question that this is a huge economic opportunity for SA. It is also an opportunity for us to start to build a more scientifically and technologically capable workforce, as well as raise the community’s understanding of science. Both will give us a real edge in technological innovation into the future in areas well beyond waste.”

Professor Steve Wasselingh, SAHMRI Executive Director

“It is good to see an open and mature debate that South Australia is having, and this demonstrates our capacity to deal with really important issues.”

Nigel McBride, Chief Executive, Business SA.

“Business SA welcomes a considered discussion on the potential of further SA involvement in the nuclear fuel cycle, in which fear is replaced by facts. There is clearly significant economic and jobs potential, as identified by the Royal Commission, in such areas as storage and disposal of nuclear fuel waste.”

Dr Paul Willis, RiAus director.

“I think we have a moral responsibility to the world to safely store all forms of nuclear waste. As a nation we are the third largest producer of uranium and we have the world’s largest reserves of the stuff. We have the right combination of geological and geographical features to safely manage the waste from the
nuclear industry.”

David Sefton, Artistic Director Adelaide Festival of Arts, 2013 — 2016.

“I can claim no expertise or specialised knowledge on the subject, but like everybody else I know that there are many risks potentially involved. And, as a parent, the concept of short-term gain for long-term risks makes me uncomfortable.”

Con Tragakis, SA Chairman, KPMG.

“As a state, I believe we should be supportive of an initiative that can create positive economic and jobs impacts. With the right safeguards in place to assist in maintaining the broad support of the community, safe storage of spent fuel has the potential to shape the future of South Australia.”

Callum Hann, Former MasterChef runner-up, Sprout Cooking.

“Nuclear waste doesn’t just go away; if the decision was made to store it here we are stuck with it. We need to make a decision based on science and the economy rather than rushing to an emotional conclusion one way or another. More research required on my part before I can sway one way.”

Jason Kuchel, Chief Executive, SA Chamber of Mines & Energy.

“South Australia has a unique opportunity to contribute to reducing global carbon emissions by taking the by product of nuclear power generation allowing countries to generate more zero carbon power.”

Rod Jameson, former Adelaide Crows star, premiership player and current board member.

“Short term the advantages to our State and its economy would be huge. But I have concerns for my children’s children. We just don’t know how safe this will be in the long term, which should be a major consideration.’’

John Letts, Two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey.

“I’m opposed to it. We need to look beyond this generation and think what it means in the longer-term.”

Duncan Welgemoed, Africola chef.

“Even if the nuclear waste is stored in geological repositories — as some are currently housed — which, to be fair, is the safest option, there is still no guarantee that the waste won’t emerge and threaten future generations for the sake of money.”

Lincoln Size, Cancer Council of SA Chief Executive.

“The evidence shows that exposure to radioactive material increases the risk of cancer, however Cancer Council SA will await clear details of any proposed waste storage facility before assessing the level of risk.”

Milan Ivanovic, Socceroos and Adelaide City legend.

“I think it would be good for the state’s economy and I know how behind we are in other states in that sense. Finland has a nuclear waste deposit, they’re a good country, they’re leaders and it appears safe.”

Sue Chase, Managing Director, Cowell Electric.

“Yes, but risks must be identified, managed and appropriate controls put in place to ensure we do not jeopardise our health, safety and food production for generations to come. We should be looking at how we can value add to the process maximising opportunities for employment and income generation.”

Professor Craig Simmons, Flinders University, SA Scientist of the Year and Scientist in Residence at The Advertiser.

“We should be open minded and take a clinical, scientific, evidenced-based approach to assess the challenges and the opportunities.
I believe this warrants further investigation.”

Mark McNamara, Barossa Valley chef, formerly of Appellation, now owner/cook at Food Luddite Cooking School, Greenock.

“I may be a bit of a Seventies dinosaur, and having supported and rallied for ‘no nukes and land rights not uranium’ back in the day. I am hardly unbiased, but I am not in favour of this proposal. I have major concerns about what will this do to our clean, green food bowl credentials and how it will effect export revenue for our food producers and farmers.”

Ulrike Klein, Founder and Director Ngeringa Arts and the Klein Family Foundation and founder of Jurlique International.

“Some countries use nuclear energy and I believe that with that decision comes the responsibility to take care of the nuclear waste they produce in their own countries. I think it is unethical to sell that liability to another country, to get rid of it so that they can continue to produce nuclear waste. Paying huge amounts of money to dump it is not taking responsibility. Australia has made the decision to minimise its use of nuclear energy; to buy the waste, and responsibility from others might be financially attractive now but what is the price we ask future generations to pay for our financial gain of today?”

Nigel Rich, chef-owner at The Elbow Room, McLaren Vale.

“Hell, yes. We have the space and if it is regulated, controlled, safe, secure and helps our economy then why wouldn’t we? It’s better in our control than out of our hands. It’s a growing demand that needs action.”

Dr Robson Morrison, Science communicator at Sci World, best known as co-host of the Curiosity Show.

“Yes, given all safety, security and transport precautions are taken, and not just for the money. Now that we know the extent to which terrorists will go, the less of this material that is accessible anywhere in the World, the better for all of us.”