Bennelong Democrat says 'no nukes' in Putney
05 November 2007
Bennelong, the aborigine after whom the electorate is named, could ”turn in his grave” because of Mr Howard’s refusal to rule out a nuclear power station on the banks of the Parramatta River. Peter Goldfinch, the Australian Democrats candidate for Bennelong said today.
“Unlike other Liberal MP’s Mr Howard has steadfastly refused to rule out locating a nuclear power station in his own electorate of Bennelong.” Mr Goldfinch said.
“We know Bennelong was buried on land owned by James Squire on the banks of the Parramatta River at Putney. Putney has the space and water access to build a power station. Any attempt to build a nuclear facility in that area would be sure to disturb Bennelong’s remains.”
The Prime Minister earlier this year commissioned a report by former Telstra CEO Ziggy Switkowski into the option of nuclear energy. That report suggested a nuclear power industry would require the construction of 25 power stations around Australia. Twenty three coalition MPs ruled out reactors in their electorate at the time. John Howard hasn’t and has said he would not object to a reactor in Bennelong.
“I call on Mr Howard to categorically rule out a nuclear power station being located here on this beautiful section of the Parramatta River or anywhere else in Bennelong for that matter. Unlike giving away billions of dollars in tax cuts this promise would cost him, and us, nothing” said Mr Goldfinch.
“If Mr Howard was genuine in his recent concern for Putney residents in the overdevelopment of the Ryde Rehab site why doesn’t he allay their fears and end uncertainty on this issue?.”
According to Professor Ian Lowe nuclear energy cannot make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gases without creating even worse environmental problems.
“The Democrats for all of their 30 year history have believed the unresolved nuclear waste disposal issue means we should not use nuclear energy. Unlike the Labor Party we also believe it is immoral to sell uranium as well” said Mr Goldfinch.