‘Dirty, dangerous’: Dozens protest nuclear plan outside Brisbane LNP office

Unionists and conservationists have joined forces in Brisbane to protest the federal LNP’s nuclear energy plan.

Unionists and conservationists have joined forces in Brisbane to protest the federal LNP’s nuclear energy plan.

The Queensland Conservation Council and the Electrical Trade Union organised the protest in front of the party’s Albion headquarters.

Officials inside the office did not meet or acknowledge the group of approximately 50 people who met on Sandgate Rd at 10.30am.

Deputy Director at the QCC Anthony Gough said the controversial plan was a step in the wrong direction and sparked fears about the health, environmental, and economic risks associated with nuclear energy.

“Nuclear power is the wrong choice for Queensland. It’s dirty, it’s dangerous and it takes too long to address climate change and create jobs. It’s no good waiting 15 years for some nuclear fantasy,” he said.

“We’re all here for different reasons, the electricians know that the jobs are in renewable energy, there’s thousands of real jobs in renewable across the state right now. Renewable is creating those employment opportunities and action on climate change, nuclear power would put a handbrake on all that.”

Deputy Director at the QCC Anthony Gough addressing the anti nuclear protest at LNP headquarters in Albion.

Mr Gough said the CSIRO labelled nuclear energy as the most expensive option for Australia and renewables were the most cost effective.

“If you’re thinking about the hip pocket, renewable is the way to go,” he said.

“We don’t have the infrastructure to roll out a nuclear power plant, let alone seven across the country.”

ETU organiser Stuart Traill addressing the crowd.

ETU organiser Stuart Traill told the crowd about the discord between the state and federal LNP over the plan, with protests expected to continue at July’s LNP conference in Queensland.

“The state LNP don’t believe this will work, but Peter Dutton dumps out a one-page policy announcement with no details,” he said.

Protect Country Strategist at the QCC Paul Spearim speaks to the crowd.

Protect Country Strategist at the QCC Paul Spearim, a Gamilaraay and Ngarabal man, said First Nations people must have a voice in nuclear energy and waste management decisions.

“We don’t need it because it’s destroying our traditional connections to sacred sites ... we don’t want any type of Dutton’s proposal to destroy any more of our sacred lands,” he said.

“There’s been no consultation. We heard he had his proposal, he put it up even with other politicians against it and First Nations people more important are totally against any type of nuclear waste being dumped on our sacred lands.”