Northern Beaches councillor pushes nuclear as climate change debate hots up

A peninsula councillor is calling for a conversation into the adoption of nuclear power to help solve the country’s energy crisis.

Pat Daley is calling for a discussion on nuclear.

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The council’s response to climate change is hotting up with one councillor suggesting nuclear could be the future.

An extraordinary meeting of the council’s Environment Strategic Reference Group (SRG) has been called on Tuesday to discuss how to combat global warning.

Councillors are expected to discuss calls for a “climate emergency” as has been implemented by other councils including Clover Moore’s City of Sydney Council.

Australia has not embraced nuclear energy despite having a third of the world’s uranium. Pictured is Angra I and II nuclear power complex, in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Picture: Daniel RAMALHO / AFP

Nearly 500 people have signed an online petition urging Northern Beaches Council to do the same.

Mayor Michael Regan said he is open to considering the petition, adding that it was “a sad reflection” of how “little faith” people have in national leaders given they are approaching local government.

But Cr Pat Daley, who sits on the Environment SRG committee, wants council to press the case for nuclear power. “We’ve had motions about opposing Adani and offshore gas exploration so I’m now submitting a motion calling for nuclear to be on the table,” he said.

“If we are going to be having these discussions then we need to include nuclear.”

Pat Daley has said nuclear should be part of the conversation. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Damian Shaw

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan has said he is willing to consider calls for council to declare a climate emergency. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

Despite having 33 per cent of the world’s uranium, Australia has never had a nuclear power station. High profile disasters such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have put most people off exploring nuclear.

But Cr Daley said given improvements in technology and safety measures it should now be considered.

High profile disasters such as that at Chernobyl have put many countries off going down the nuclear route. Picture: AFP PHOTO / VLADIMIR REPIK

“It’s been shown to be clean, safe and emissions free. I’m no expert on nuclear power but it needs to be part of the conversation.”

“To be clear, council is not sitting on its hands,” Mayor Regan said on climate change. “We are currently drafting a Climate Change Action Plan and have a heap of initiatives.”

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