WALLACE SUPPORTS CALL BY DEPUTY PM FOR PLEBISCITE ON TOWNSVILLE NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS

Craig Wallace today supported a call by the Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile for local communities to have binding plebiscites on whether they should get nuclear power stations.

Mr Wallace, who is Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland, said residents should vote on whether the Townsville region should go nuclear or not.

“The local plebiscite could occur at the same time as the upcoming Federal election,” he said.

Mr Vaile said earlier today that residents should have a say if their region gets a nuclear power station – and their decision should be binding.

Mr Wallace said the Member for Herbert, Peter Lindsay, should say if he supports his Deputy Leader on the plebiscite proposal.

Peter Lindsay refused to rule out nuclear power in North Queensland in a media statement yesterday.

Townsville has been suggested as the site of a future nuclear power station, with Ross and Strathmore identified as possible sites.

Premier Peter Beattie said in the Queensland Parliament this morning that Prime Minister John Howard intended to build 25 nuclear reactors in Australia but would not say where.

Mr Beattie called on John Howard to reveal where Queensland nuclear reactors would be situated.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, 0407 131 654.