Mixed reactions from Port Augusta community over Coalition’s nuclear plans

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The Coalition has promised to build a series of nuclear reactors across Australia as part of their election energy policy. One of the proposed locations is Port Augusta in South Australia, where the policy has divided some locals.

Transcript

00:01A coal-fired power station in Port Augusta reduced to rubble.

00:07Eight years later, this could, under a coalition plan, become a new site of energy generation,

00:13but this time, nuclear.

00:16It's an issue that's dividing the outback town.

00:19I'd like to think that the Port Augusta public will be able to look beyond the superficial jobs aspect

00:24and ask themselves, is this what the electricity system really needs?

00:28Is this what the long-term health of the planet really needs?

00:32Three generations of Gary Rowbottom's family worked at the town's power station.

00:37When it closed, he joined a push to transition the region to renewables.

00:41He says nuclear is a step in the wrong direction and too slow and costly to implement.

00:47Jobs is probably almost the only pro.

00:50But for some, the prospect of more jobs is worth pursuing.

00:55Tony Mitchell has ridden the town's economic highs and lows as a long-time small business owner.

01:00He says nuclear would bring a much needed boost.

01:04Trying to keep some of the kids in the region and some of the people that are doing professional development

01:09and those sort of higher studies.

01:11But for June Lennon, nuclear brings back bad memories.

01:16I truly would not want to have nuclear on our doorstep.

01:21It wasn't worth it back in 1953 and it's definitely not worth it today.

01:28June was a child when nuclear bombs were tested in the South Australian outback.

01:33Her family has felt the effects ever since, including seizures, rashes and lasting mental health issues.

01:41I've experienced with our family the loss of our family members.

01:48A loss that leaves no room for support of nuclear energy.

01:52The council says there's a sense of announcement fatigue among the community here in Port Augusta.

01:57Since the old coal-fired power station closed, there have been multiple project proposals put forward.

02:03But only a few wind and solar projects have come to fruition.

02:07If elected, the coalition says it could have the reactor operational by 2035.

02:13But in a cost-of-living crisis, it will take a back seat for many heading to the ballot box.

02:20I think there's way more pressing issues in the short term than nuclear power station in Port Augusta.

02:26An energy policy that could shape the future of Port Augusta.

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