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Darwin at Center of Nuclear Waste Controversy

nuclear waste
file photo: nuclear waste storage

Published May 23, 2016 11:29 PM by The Maritime Executive

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has said it will fight any plans to allow the world’s spent nuclear fuel rods and radioactive waste to enter Australia through the Port of Darwin.

The MUA is outraged that Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles has offered to accept the waste which would then be transported thousands of kilometers to South Australia.

“Mr Giles is happy to sell out Territorians so that Malcolm Turnbull can use them as a dirty rag for his own personal gain and to benefit his top end of town mates,” MUA Northern Territory branch secretary Thomas Mayor said.

“It’s like putting Homer Simpson in charge of nuclear waste and his big business “Mr Burns” mates are rubbing their hands together. All the while Chief Clancy, aka Natasha Griggs, is none the wiser.”

A recent royal commission report set a 10-year timeframe for South Australia to receive high-level radioactive waste which could generate more than $100 billion in revenue over 120 years.

There are only two ports in Australia who are licensed to be able to transport hazardous materia­l. Giles said: “Obviously it’s an economic opportunity for us, but we want to make sure that we manage transportation and safety at the right levels.”

The MUA says the move further compromises Australia’s national security.

“Malcolm Turnbull allowed the strategic Port of Darwin to fall under the control of Chinese company Landbridge when it was granted a controversial 99 year lease,” Mayor said.

“If his counterpart Adam Giles is successful then he will be allowing a foreign company oversight of high level nuclear waste.”

Turnbull has already sold out Australian shipping, says Mayor. “Not only will foreign flagged ships carry the hazardous cargo, but the port that they are taking it to will also be run by foreign interests.”

Mayor said there was no agreement with traditional land owners to use their land.

The results of a U.S. State Department poll were revealed in March indicating that nearly 90 per cent of Australians believe the Giles Government’s decision to lease the Darwin Port to a Chinese-owned company is a risk to national security.