Downs may feature in Howard's nuclear power plans despite Qld laws

New Queensland laws prohibiting nuclear power plants being established anywhere in the State, including on the Darling Downs, could not stop the Howard Government's nuclear plans.

Attorney-General and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the Queensland Government, and State Parliament, had done its job passing the Nuclear Facilities Prohibition Act 2007.

The new legislation has now come into force. It prohibits nuclear facilities, including uranium enrichment plants, nuclear power stations and nuclear waste sites in Queensland.

Under the new law, a plebiscite would have to be held if the Federal Government tried to ride roughshod over State laws to build a nuclear facility in Queensland.

"The Howard Government's plan should be of great concern to many Australians," Mr Shine said.

"For the residents of the Darling Downs, the current Federal Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane has indicated his support for a nuclear plant in our region."

"The best way to get rid of the Howard Government's plans for nuclear power plants is to get rid of the Howard Government."

"Ian Macfarlane champions nuclear power and he will not stand up against a nuclear plant being established on the Darling Downs in the future."

Mr Shine said Queensland had access to abundant, long-term supplies of coal and gas, as well as a range of renewable energy supplies.

“The Howard Government is deliberately down-playing the risks of nuclear generation,” Mr Shine said.

4 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au