WA: Legislation introduced to stop nuclear waste dump in WA
PERTH, Aug 13 AAP - The West Australian government today introduced legislation intoparliament aimed at stopping the federal government locating a nuclear waste dump in thestate.
The legislation - an amendment to the Nuclear Waste (Storage) Prohibition Act - outlawsthe storage and transportation of nuclear waste generated in other states.
WA Premier Geoff Gallop said the move was prompted by growing concerns that the federalgovernment favoured locating its planned intermediate level radioactive waste facilityon Commonwealth land in regional WA.
"Western Australians will never accept their state being used as a dumping ground forradioactive waste produced elsewhere," Dr Gallop said.
"One of our greatest assets is our clean and green reputation and we are not goingto sit back and let it be tarnished by Canberra."
The South Australian government passed similar legislation in March, but that did notstop the federal government choosing land near Woomera as the site for the nation's low-levelradioactive waste dump.
The decision will now be reviewed by the Federal Court following an appeal by the SA government.
Dr Gallop said any move by the federal government to overrule the WA legislation wouldrequire new regulations that could be blocked in the Senate.
Federal Science Minister Peter McGauran announced in May that a shortlist of siteshad been drawn up for the national store for intermediate level radioactive waste.
He has refused to release the list, although he has ruled out South Australian sites.
"The Commonwealth's refusal to release its shortlist makes us all the more suspiciousthat it has WA in its sights," Dr Gallop said.
Intermediate level waste is generated from the Lucas Heights nuclear research reactorin Sydney and from other commonwealth agencies.
It includes medical, research and industrial equipment and spent fuel.
AAP alm/cjm/jlw
KEYWORD: RADIOACTIVE
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