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Darren Chester promotes an open fact-based nuclear energy discussion and promotes Gippsland's energy heritage

Darren Chester approaches the nuclear energy debate with openness, advocating for a factual, technology-driven discussion devoid of sensationalism. Gippsland's energy-rich history fosters community understanding.

By news@gippsland - 27th May 2024 - Back to News

I have an open mind when it comes to the public debate regarding the potential for nuclear energy in Australia. It is time for a calm and rational conversation with the Australian people based on facts, technology and environmental science, not media-driven hyperbole, fear campaigns and political science. My electorate of Gippsland has a proud heritage as an energy-producing region and there is a high level of 'energy literacy' in the community.

Demonstrating safety and benefits to potential hosts is crucial. The ongoing energy dialogue in Latrobe Valley considers its advantages for future energy solutions

Gippsland's energy evolution

This has come about because Gippsland has hosted large-scale energy producing facilities, including brown coal and offshore oil and gas for decades, along with wind and solar farms in more recent times. We are also expecting to see an energy from waste project developed at the Maryvale Mill and we have been identified as a region which could host major offshore wind infrastructure.

Local people tend to understand the complex energy trifecta of affordability, reliability and environmental sustainability in accordance with international emissions reduction agreements that our governments have signed. Just as we are considering large-scale renewable projects with offshore wind farms, energy from waste at Maryvale, the coal to hydrogen project, and the potential recycling of coal-fired power stations with biofuels, we need to take a pragmatic approach to the nuclear debate.

For example, there needs to be full transparency on the claimed cost savings around re-using existing transmission lines because constructing new infrastructure to support industrial scale renewable projects remains a contested public issue in many regions.

Debate nuclear energy

If there is bipartisan support for nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement, we should be able to have a rational debate about the merits of nuclear technology to help meet our future energy needs in Australia. Dozens of advanced countries throughout the world utilise nuclear energy and Australia remains the third largest exporter of uranium to help power those economies.

It is premature to rule regions in or out as potential locations for a nuclear power station because there's no proposal on the table. But I would expect a detailed process would need to be established, including a plan to overturn existing legislation, an opportunity for potential host communities to vote in a local plebiscite, and an extensive package of social and economic support measures.

As a matter of principle, you would need to be able to demonstrate to a potential host community, including Gippsland, that any safety concerns could be ameliorated and there were direct and enduring social and economic benefits to our community.

Prioritise Gippsland's energy

We are continuing to have the energy conversation with our community today because we recognise the Latrobe Valley has some strategic advantages due to the existing transmission infrastructure and a skilled local workforce.

But if we are going to host large-scale energy infrastructure in the future, whether it's nuclear, renewables or biofuels, there has to be respect shown to local communities and measurable benefits for our region.

I will put the needs of Gippsland and Latrobe Valley first and endeavour to act in the national interest at all times, and intend to participate in the debate in a constructive and respectful manner. To deliver our nation's future energy needs, we should be taking advantage of a range of technologies to meet the challenge of supplying reliable and affordable power while fulfilling our international agreements to reduce emissions.

Pictures from Wikipedia website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com