LNP Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal explains nuclear waste policy

An LNP candidate who hinted Far North Queensland could be considered to store nuclear waste has further added it’s Labor’s responsibility to identify sites for the Coalition energy plan.

A Queensland environmental group is calling on the Coalition to rule out dumping nuclear waste in the Far North after an LNP candidate told local radio “it’s got to be somewhere very remote.”

In an interview which aired on ABC’s Far North Breakfast program on Friday, LNP Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal was speaking about the cost of living before the conversation turned towards nuclear power.

“It’s only nuclear in the mix, we’re not replacing everything... and it can be affordable,” Mr Neal said.

He was then asked about storing the radioactive waste and whether Leichhardt would be considered.

LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal told ABC radio he hadn’t yet done a “deep dive” on nuclear waste storage rules. Picture: Cairns Post

“I’d have to look through what the rules are, I haven’t really done a deep dive, I’ve scrolled through them.

“It’s got to be somewhere very remote, without having dug through the geology of Far North Queensland, I’m not too sure.”

Mr Neal’s comments caught the attention of the Queensland Conservation Council which was already in strong opposition to the LNP’s nuclear energy plan.

While Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had revealed the proposed sites of the LNP’s nuclear plan, which in Queensland included the Tarong and Callide power stations, QCC director Dave Copeman called on the party to explain where it would store radioactive waste.

Aerial view of the Daintree Ferry crossing the Daintree. Queensland Conservation Council called on the LNP to rule out nuclear waste storage in FNQ. Tourism Tropical North Queensland

“The LNP must come clean with voters. Where exactly do they plan to put the nuclear waste,” he asked.

“And how will they get it there?

“Far North Queensland is one of the most environmentally and culturally significant places on the planet, not a dumping ground for radioactive waste.”

In a later statement, Mr Neal made clear there “will be no nuclear power plant or waste facility in Leichhardt” while putting the onus on his opponents to identify solutions for storage.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, former US President Joe Biden and former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the AUKUS summit on March 13, 2023 in San Diego, California to discuss the procurement of nuclear-powered submarines under a pact between the three nations. PIC: PMO

“The Albanese Government agreed to store all nuclear waste, from the nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS deal, and it is now Labor’s responsibility for identifying a long-term waste repository. We stand ready to cooperate constructively,” Mr Neal said.

“Fuel will be temporarily stored on-site of power plants consistent with standard practice around the world before being transported to a permanent waste repository, where spent fuel from our AUKUS nuclear submarines will also be stored.

“This approach is consistent with the plans of the UK (an AUKUS ally) which is to similarly manage nuclear waste from both submarines and power plants. Where this permanent site will be located is a matter for the Albanese Government.”

Mr Neal further argued nuclear energy had one of the “smallest waste footprints of any energy source,” while Mr Dutton had previously stated the amount of waste from a small reactor could be compared to the size of a Coke can, per year.

Mr Dutton’s $300bn nuclear plan involved building seven reactors across Australia, at retired or retiring coal-fired power stations, including two small modular reactors he claimed would be up and running by 2035.

Originally published as LNP Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal explains nuclear waste policy