Greens applaud anti nuclear motion - 31 October 2006

The NSW Local Government Association Conference is to be congratulated for passing a motion that rejects nuclear power and encourages a greater emphasis on renewable energy, according to NSW Greens Upper House MPs Ian Cohen and Sylvia Hale.

“Both State and Local Government in NSW now officially recognise that nuclear energy is not an option,” said Mr Cohen.

“The nuclear industry has not, in over fifty years of trying, found a solution to the problem of nuclear waste. The greenhouse gases generated throughout its life cycle, especially via the mining and transportation of uranium and the construction of nuclear power plants, exceed the reductions that can be achieved during its energy generation process.

“Claims that it represents a solution to the problem of climate change are laughable.

“It is to the eternal credit of the Local Government Association that they have recognised these issues. Local Government led the way with the implementation of nuclear free zones across many council areas as far back as the 1980’s. This current motion demonstrates that they continue to recognise the enormous risks that nuclear technology represents.

“The conference also acknowledges the NSW Government’s stance opposing nuclear power, and the NSW Greens again applaud the Iemma Government for this, although they must focus far more of their thinking on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels,” he said.

Sylvia Hale congratulated Marrickville Council for putting forth the motion.

“Marrickville Council has been nuclear free for many years now. I urge those councils that have not made a similar commitment to note that the motion calls on them to follow suit,” she said.

“Local Government led the fightback against the Snowy sale and it is heartening to see it collectively recognise that the needs of the people and the environment come before those of the vested interests promoting nuclear energy,” Ms Hale concluded.

Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 or 0431 320 085 (Ian Cohen) Chris Holley 9230 3030 or 0437 779 546 (Sylvia Hale)