Aaron Harper raises concerns over nuclear power proposal for Ross River, Townsville

A Qld river has made it on a list of proposed nuclear power sites, with the advocacy group pushing the move sparking intense backlash from a North Queensland leader. Here’s why.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for nuclear power on the banks of the Ross River.

The Ross River has made it on a list of proposed nuclear power sites, with the advocacy group pushing the move sparking intense backlash from a North Queensland leader.

Nuclear for Climate Australia, which is understood to have the backing of the Coalition, has identified multiple sites in North Queensland – including the Ross River, the Burdekin Dam, and the Collinsville Power Station which closed in 2013 – as ideal spots to host nuclear reactors.

Under the Nuclear for Climate Australia plan, an existing solar power farm on the Ross River could be used as a reactor site.

Earlier this year, Coalition leader Peter Dutton advocated for introducing nuclear power to Australia’s energy grid as a source of reliable electricity.

Reports suggest Nuclear for Climate Australia founder Robert Parker is advising the Coalition on a nuclear strategy.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper is concerned about a proposal for nuclear power in his backyard.

The disgruntled MP said no one in the Upper Ross would “accept nuclear waste travelling down Riverway Drive”.

“I do not want to see a nuclear reactor in Townsville and anywhere near the banks of the much loved and well used Ross River,” he said.

But federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson says Townsville wouldn’t necessarily make the list of sites given there is no existing infrastructure in place.

He described the Coalition as “energy agnostic” and added that there would be areas nearby that could be considered for a “small, modular reactor” that would “support” Townsville.

Mr Thompson said it would be places with infrastructure in place, like Collinsville, that would be considered as part of a nuclear plan for Australia.

“We are in the discussion phase, talking with experts from around the world,” he said.

“Nuclear reactors have to be built on functional or closed down power plants or coal-fired power stations.”

He said this would allow for easy connection to the National Electricity Market, which could include places like Kareeya, Stanwell and Callide power stations.

In Queensland, a move to nuclear power would require legislation change as it is currently illegal.

Mr Parker told the Daily Mail Australia that a water allocation from dams in the proposed list of sites would be a “good resource” for cooling a nuclear power plant.

“You need to ensure that you get sufficient water in the highest demand, hot periods when everyone’s got their air conditioners going, you do not want your plant losing cooling ability,” he said.

“Smaller nuclear power plants would need to be able to get an allocation of water, particularly in the hot-weather periods out of those dams to cool themselves.”

Other proposed sites in Queensland include Swanbank, Millmeran, Callide, Gladstone, Tarong, Stanwell, Kogan Creek and Wivenhoe Dam. 

Originally published as Aaron Harper raises concerns over nuclear power proposal for Ross River, Townsville