Pauline Hanson’s opposition to Kimba nuclear waste dump is ‘disappointing’ but Minister will forge ahead with plan

Pauline Hanson’s decision to block a nuclear waste dump for regional SA is ‘disappointing’, the Resources Minister says. He will push ahead to build it anyway.

An artist's impression of the radioactive waste site at Napandee, near Kimba. Picture: Supplied

Pauline Hanson’s decision to torpedo the push to build a nuclear waste facility in regional South Australia has been branded “extremely disappointing” by federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt.

Mr Pitt said Australia urgently needed a site to store radioactive waste “so we can continue providing 12,000 doses of life-saving nuclear medical treatment to Australians every week”.

The Advertiser reported the One Nation leader would not back legislation to build the facility at Napandee farm near Kimba, meaning the Federal Government doesn’t have the numbers for it to pass parliament.

Senator Pauline Hanson in the Senate Chamber of Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Gary Ramage

But Mr Pitt said the government would forge ahead to try to get the Bill through the Senate to “give the people of Kimba the certainty they deserve”.

“It is extremely disappointing that crossbenchers have been drawn into the debate in this way after Labor withdrew bipartisan support that’s accompanied the proposed establishment of a facility for decades,” Mr Pitt said.

He dismissed One Nation’s concerns the facility could harm agriculture, saying there were similar waste sites near farming communities overseas. The government argues the Kimba facility would create 200 construction jobs, 45 long-term positions and inject $8m a year into the local economy. There would also be a $31m package to support training and community projects.

Mr Pitt encouraged One Nation members to contact the mayor of Kimba to “get the true picture of how much community support there is for the facility and the jobs it will bring”.

Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, Napandee owner Jeff Baldock and Resources Minister Keith Pitt at Napandee. Picture: Supplied

Labor’s industry spokesman Brendan O’Connor backed the need for a waste facility.

However, he said the government’s legislation lacked the chance for “proper scrutiny” and a review of the location.

“Labor will seek to move an amendment to the Bill so the minister can use existing powers to nominate any site under the current legislation, the local community would have access to the community fund, and the decision itself would still be subject to judicial review,” he said.

Australian Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney said the Kimba site should be open to a challenge in court, given some groups had been excluded from consultation.

“This waste lasts longer that any politician and needs to be responsibly managed,” Mr Sweeney said.

Former resources minister Matt Canavan criticised senators who “couldn’t even find Kimba on the map” dictating the community’s future.