Gold Coast nuclear plant in the mix: but where would you put it on the tourist strip?

A government MP has been challenged to reveal where a nuclear power plant on the Gold Coast could be built after being quizzed about the controversial power source. Four suburbs have been mentioned.

GOLD Coast-based Federal MP Karen Andrews has been challenged on where she would want a nuclear plant on the Glitter Strip after not ruling out the energy option.

Ms Andrews, the Member for McPherson, was on Sky News today when asked about nuclear energy following the release of CSIRO’s Australian National Outlook report.

The report compares two versions of the Australia in 2060, and predicts the nation will enter a “slow decline” if challenges are not met head on.

Gold Coast MP and senior Minister Karen Andrews questioned on nuclear energy. Image David Foote-AUSPIC/DPS.

OPINION: WHY POLLIES WON’T TOUCH NUCLEAR ENERGY

The Industry, Science and Technology Minister was asked about the findings including that Australia could reach zero emissions by 2050.

But she admitted coal would be “part of the energy mix for some time in the future”.

Asked about nuclear energy, Ms Andrews replied: “I don’t have an issue with it being considered.”

Opposition climate change and energy spokesman Mark Butler seized on the comments saying it was another senior Liberal backing nuclear.

“We know nuclear power plants need to be built near water so would Minister Andrews, the Member for McPherson, like the nuclear power stations in her electorate, lining the Gold Coast,” he said.

“Would the Minister prefer the nuclear plant in Coolangatta, Robina, Burleigh Heads or Palm Beach? Scott Morrison needs to make his position clear.”

Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, has targeted Karen Andrews for her comments about nuclear energy. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

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Mr Butler said the Prime Minister last year had indicated “where something can stack up and can actually bring the prices down, well I’m all for it.”

“Just last week, Energy Minister Angus Taylor told would not rule out nuclear power either saying, ‘If there is a clear business case there is a clear business case’,” Mr Butler said.

“The pressure is now on Scott Morrison to take real action to end the energy crisis that emerged under the Liberal Government.

“So far, all the Liberals are promising in energy is expensive new coal-fired power stations and a growing pressure from Morrison’s backbench for Australia to pursue even more expensive nuclear power.”