Conservation SA, the state's peak environment body, along with national environment groups Friends of the Earth Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation, have today lodged a submission with the federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science calling on the federal government to abandon any plan for a national nuclear waste dump in Kimba.

Farming land near Kimba is one of two sites being targeted for a national nuclear dump ‒ the other site, also strongly contested, is near Hawker in SA's iconic Flinders Ranges.

Dr Jim Green, national nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said: "Canberra claims to be conducting an inclusive, bottom-up process to find a dump site. But the process has been flawed and divisive and has caused enormous stress.

"The government refuses to amend or repeal the National Radioactive Waste Management Act ‒ draconian legislation that gives Canberra the power to override and ignore the interests of local communities, pastoralists, business owners, and state/territory governments.

"Most of the waste is located at ANSTO's Lucas Heights site south of Sydney, and that is where it should stay," Dr Green said.

Craig Wilkins, chief executive of Conservation SA, said: "Last week the SA Premier backed far away from an international high-level nuclear waste dump following strong community opposition. This week the federal government needs to understand that they are way out of step with South Australian communities if they choose to pursue nuclear waste dumps in the Flinders Ranges or on the Eyre Peninsula."

Dave Sweeney, nuclear free campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation, said: "Radioactive waste is a national issue and a concern for all Australians that demands the highest level of inclusion and scrutiny. This is a national radioactive waste facility – not simply a regional or South Australian one. All Australians have a right to be involved to help make sure that this difficult issue is given the best possible consideration. What is planned is a national radioactive waste facility so while local community consultation is useful an evidence based, national conversation is essential."

Contacts:

Jim Green          0417 318 368
Craig Wilkins     0417 879 439
Dave Sweeney  0408 317 812

The submission is attached and posted at: http://tinyurl.com/kimba-sub