The state’s peak environment body has expressed extreme disappointment at ‘site characterisation works’ commencing this week at Napandee near Kimba on the contested site for the proposed national radioactive waste facility.

MEDIA RELEASE
17 November 2022

Kimba nuke dump works disrespectful and unnecessary

The state’s peak environment body has expressed extreme disappointment at ‘site characterisation works’ commencing this week at Napandee near Kimba on the contested site for the proposed national radioactive waste facility.

Preliminary earthworks are beginning despite assurances from the federal government that they would not pre-empt the outcome of a live Federal Court challenge by the Barngarla Traditional Owners.

“These works are completely unnecessary at this time, and deeply disrespectful of the Barngarla people who have firmly and consistently repeated their complete opposition to this proposal,” said Conservation SA’s Chief Executive Craig Wilkins.

“We fear the department - who are the proponents of this controversial plan - are deliberating attempting to jump ahead of the mounting community opposition and give the impression of inevitability by quietly progressing works and site activity while the federal government waits on the outcome of the Federal court case.

“We call on Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King to step in and pull her department into line,” he said.

The recent SA Labor convention strongly backed Premier Peter Malinauskas’ support for the Barngarla people’s right of veto over the project.

The Premier’s high-profile intervention adds to the growing community opposition to this highly controversial proposal from Barngarla Traditional Owners, local farmers, SA Unions, medical experts and environment groups. 

“It is not surprising community concern is building. The proposal is not consistent with international best practice nor is it consistent with Labor’s values and push for Treaty and Voice.

“And there is safer, smarter and cheaper alternative available that will not affect in any way the provision of nuclear medicine to the Australian people.

“Federal Labor has inherited a highly divisive and inadequate proposal.  It’s time for this sorry saga to end,” he said.

For further background: https://www.conservationsa.org.au/kimba_report