Deb Frecklington rejects nuclear power proposal for Tarong

Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington has firmly opposed Peter Dutton’s plan to build a nuclear power plant at Tarong, a day after local mayor Kathy Duff embraced the idea.

Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington has firmly opposed the federal Opposition’s plan to convert Tarong power station into a nuclear plant, saying that was not part of the LNP plans for Queensland, while emphasising alternative energy solutions amid mixed local reactions.

Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington has firmly opposed the federal Opposition’s plan to convert Tarong power station into a nuclear plant, saying that was not part of the LNP plans for Qld.

It comes a day after South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff appeared to embrace the idea, citing a survey in which 60 percent of residents expressed that nuclear power is worth considering.

“I want to be really clear, this is not part of our plan for Queensland,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“The LNP has been consistent from the start and our position has not changed, this is a matter for Canberra.

“The LNP has outlined the plan we’ll take to the next election, that’s what we’ll deliver and this is not part of it.”

Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington has firmly opposed the federal oppositions plan to convert Tarong power station into a nuclear plant, saying that was not part of the LNP plans for Queensland, while emphasising alternative energy solutions amid mixed local reactions. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Queensland Opposition leader David Crisafulli said after Peter Dutton’s announcement that he had no plan for nuclear energy for the state.

“Peter knows my position on it, there’s no secret about that,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“I’ve been very, very consistent with it. It’s not part of our planning in Queensland.”

Mr Crisafulli said his priority was getting the Callide Power station back online to bring down electricity prices in Queensland in the short term.

When pressed about potentially reconsidering nuclear projects post-October, he responded emphatically, “No, no, no, I gotta be really clear, it’s not part of our plan.”

South Burnett mayor backs Dutton plan to turn Tarong nuclear

Queensland Opposition leader David Crisafulli said after Peter Dutton’s announcement that he had no plan for nuclear energy for the state. Picture Lachie Millard

Local reaction on social media has been mixed. Some residents have cited potential positive impacts for the region, while others expressed concerns about possible disasters.

Dalles Hayes commented that Germany was “in a mess” after saying no to nuclear.

“Renewables cannot give base load power alone,” Mr Hayes said.

Robert Thomas referenced the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
“Chernobyl will be habitable again in about 20,000 years due to the long-lasting effects of ground absorption of radiation,” he said.

Malcolm Roy Bayntun was adamantly opposed, stating, “hell no” to nuclear.

“Way too dangerous. Say goodbye to the South Burnett if it has a meltdown. A nuclear bomb sitting in our backyard,” Mr Bayntun said.
“You’ve got to have rocks in your head to even think about this idea,” he said.

Two nuclear power plants for regional Qld under Coalition proposal, slammed by Premier

Stanwell Tarong Power Station. (PHOTO: Katherine Morris)

A reader from the South Burnett Times offered a more optimistic view, highlighting the benefits nuclear energy could bring to the region.
“The Australian town that first adopts this technology will attract engineers, technicians, construction workers, and other professionals, propelling their local economy and creating a ‘centre of excellence’ that will attract talent and investment for decades,” they said.

Another reader said a nuclear waste facility could become an asset for Australia.

“A small area in Central Australia could store used nuclear power rods from other countries safely and economically, becoming a future asset with developing technology,” they suggested.