$31 million in incentives offered to SA community that hosts national radioactive waste repository
THE Federal Government wants to lock in support for a radioactive waste facility in rural South Australia by tripling the incentive package for the community that hosts the repository to $31 million.
- Kimba votes yes to radioactive waste facility
- SA nuclear waste site a ‘done deal’, claims Senator
- Anti-nuclear protesters increase fight against radioactive dump
- 225 country residents flown to Sydney to learn about waste
THE Federal Government wants to lock in support for a radioactive waste facility in rural South Australia by tripling the incentive package for the community that hosts the repository to $31 million.
As two SA communities prepare to vote on August 20 whether to support the radioactive waste management site going ahead, Resources Minister Matt Canavan will on Monday announce an increased community development package.
Two sites near Kimba and one at Barndioota, near Hawker, have been shortlisted for the facility to host low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
The Government had promised to spend in excess of $10 million on job-boosting projects in the district where the facility is built.
Senator Canavan said the Government was now willing to provide:
$20 MILLION to deliver long-term infrastructure projects.
$8 MILLION to train locals and businesses to benefit from the construction and operation of the facility.
UP TO $3 million over three years for indigenous skills training and cultural heritage protection.
“As well as a brand new industry with around 45 new jobs, this enhanced package will ensure the successful community is ready and able to take advantage of the benefits of hosting this facility both during construction and the lifetime of its operation,” he said.
Senator Canavan said the new package had been developed after consultation with the local communities on how best to support people and industries near the waste management dump.
Funds could be used to support agriculture, tourism or other industries the community wanted to prioritise.
The proposal for the radioactive waste dump has divided neighbours and families in the short-listed districts.
The Government wants to choose a preferred site before the end of the year.
The two shortlisted communities have already been rewarded with Government development grants worth a combined $4 million.
Senator Canavan said the host town would become a key part of the Australian “science ecosystem” providing new career pathways for young people.
He said it would have similar employment impact to defence centres elsewhere.
“What shipbuilding or aircraft bases do for some communities … the national radioactive waste management facility will do for its host town,” he said.