Media Release

28 September 2017

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NSW Labor is challenging the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government to come clean on plans for nuclear power in NSW.

This follows a call by Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader, John Barilaro, to have nuclear reactors operating in NSW within the next 10 years.

Mr Barilaro said today on social media:

“We could have them (small nuclear reactors) operating here in a decade – which is not long for the energy industry…”

Labor Leader in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Energy Adam Searle says it’s the second time this year Mr Barilaro has raised the possibility of nuclear energy for the State.

In May, Mr Barilaro said he was “prepared to talk about nuclear as an option”.

One pro-nuclear power group, Nuclear for Climate Australia, has identified 12 regions of NSW as possible sites for nuclear reactors – including in Grafton, near Scone, on the North Coast, in the Upper Hunter, on the Mid Coast, in the Central Tablelands, at Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay, in the Marulan region, at Yass, in the Snowy region, in the Murray region and on the South Coast.

Now that Mr Barilaro says he’s in favour of nuclear reactors “operating in a decade” in NSW, he needs to tell the community where he wants to put them.

 

Quotes attributable to Labor Leader in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Energy Adam Searle:

“Mr Barilaro says we should have nuclear reactors operating in New South Wales in a decade but he can’t just float an idea like this without being specific.

“He should be clear with the public on where he thinks the nuclear reactors should be.

“A pro-nuclear power group is on the record suggesting where nuclear reactors should be – does Mr Barilaro agree?

“Our farmers’ clean and green reputation is known throughout the world but a nuclear industry in these areas would end all that.”