Nuclear fears for port

By Sarah Schwager
SOUTHERN Casey residents have held discussions with two environment and nuclear waste experts about their concerns for the Western Port Bay.
Imogen Zethoven, from the Wilderness Society, and nuclear waste expert Kevin Kamps, from Washington DC, spoke to members of the Western Port Action Group (WAG) and other concerned residents.
They spoke about the dangers of nuclear waste in light of the Howard Government’s push for nuclear energy and about concerns that the proposed Port of Hastings development could raise the possibility of a nuclear reactor being built on Western Port.
They discussed the proposed infrastructure for the Port of Hastings Land Use and Transport Strategy Consultation Draft, which they said could facilitate a reactor being built in the area, with easy access to the city and to water if the port development went ahead.
The meeting was held in front of the peaceful ambience of Pelican Pantry at Hastings Foreshore.
WAG president Mary Madigan said Mr Kamps spoke to the group about the nuclear threat for Western Port and about concerns that there was still no safe disposal method for nuclear waste.
He said nuclear power was not the solution to the world’s climate change problems.
Ms Madigan said WAG also had serious concerns about the possible port development and freight rail link. A recommendation on the development is to be sent to the State Government for consideration by the middle of this year.
She said the community voice was not being considered by the Port of Hastings Corporation (POHC), which is putting forward the recommendation.
“The consultation process has not been conducted in an honest, open and transparent fashion,” Ms Madigan said.
“The project must be scrapped in the interests of democracy.”