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https://reneweconomy.com.au/fireys-pour-water-on-peter-duttons-potentially-catastrophic-nuclear-power-plan/>
"The United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA) has today launched a
last-minute campaign warning Australians of the risks associated with the
Dutton Coalition’s plan to build seven nuclear power plants in five states.
The UFUA has revealed that the Coalition’s nuclear costings exclude more than
half a billion dollars in essential emergency services infrastructure and
personnel. The costs include $446.68 million to establish specialised fire
stations both in and near the proposed nuclear sites, and $79.7 million
annually in additional firefighter salaries.
The costings assume two specialised fire stations at each of the proposed seven
nuclear sites — a mandatory standard of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
UFUA National Secretary Greg McConville said the nuclear plan is both
financially reckless and a threat to firefighter and public safety:
“The Coalition’s nuclear plan ignores the reality that nuclear power demands a
specialised, fully equipped emergency response capability. This is a
half-billion-dollar black hole in their costings puts firefighters and
communities at risk, and places the overall cost further out of reach.
“Firefighters already face extreme risks responding to bushfires, floods, and
industrial incidents. Nuclear power introduces a new, more dangerous threat we
are not prepared for, radioactive contamination that can linger for decades.
“A nuclear accident would stretch our already under-resourced emergency
services to breaking point. The consequences for firefighters, first
responders, and surrounding communities would be catastrophic.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect homes, schools,
and hospitals. Asking us to safeguard nuclear reactors, something the
Australian public has never asked for, is both reckless and irresponsible.
“This is a high-risk, high-cost gamble with no clear benefit. Our communities
deserve clean, safe, and affordable energy solutions, not a nuclear burden that
compromises emergency response and public safety.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
