Decision on nuclear waste dump location delayed until next year
THE selection of a preferred site in rural South Australia for a national radioactive waste dump will likely be delayed until next year.
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THE selection of a preferred site in rural South Australia for a national radioactive waste dump will likely be delayed until next year.
The Federal Government is considering two sites in the Kimba district and one near Hawker as possible storage locations for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Local community votes on the proposals were delayed earlier this year after the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation challenged the Kimba ballot in court.
The challenge is now scheduled to be heard in the Federal Court on January 30 next year.
A spokesman for the Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science said the department would continue to consult the local communities.
“The department will continue to observe the progress of this case and reminds the community that consultation is ongoing while this matter is being resolved and that submissions continue to be accepted,’’ the spokesman said.
“The Government continues to work to hear the views of all community members, including local residents, neighbours, business owners and traditional owners.”
Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan, who has oversight of the waste dump project, was overseas and unavailable for comment.
Kimba Mayor Dean Johnson said he was unable to comment because the matter was before the court.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the Government should abandon the waste dump plan and described the consultation as a “farce” and “insulting” to the community.
The Barngarla corporation objected to the ballot because some traditional owners, who lived outside the Hawker council boundaries, would be ineligible to vote.