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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-09-28 Daily Xml
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RADIOACTIVE WASTE

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:25): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Regional Development regarding the federal government's plan to truck radioactive waste through the Riverland.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: It has been revealed that radioactive waste is to be transported through the Riverland, raising concerns about the potential contamination of the River Murray as the route crosses the river three times, the potential for road accidents and the impact on the Riverland's image as part of Australia's food bowl. Is the minister concerned that the federal government's decision will undo any of the benefits which come through the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (14:25): I thank the honourable member for her important question and am advised that in fact the federal government has not at this point in time made any final decision on the new route for waste that was reported today or yesterday evening. My understanding is that there has been no final conclusion to that and that the federal government has agreed to consult extensively with local communities that might be involved with any changes and other key stakeholders. My understanding is that we are a long way from any changes.

I have also been advised that the transport of commonwealth radioactive waste is regulated under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act, which is administered by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. The advice I have received is that the commonwealth does not require the EPA's approval to transport radioactive waste in South Australia. I am advised that the federal agency ensures that the transport of commonwealth radioactive waste is carried out safely through compliance with the national Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material and it is the EPA's view that the potential risk to people and the environment is in fact very, very small.

I am further advised that, when the commonwealth has transported significant quantities of radioactive waste through South Australia in the past, it has kept the state government fully informed of any arrangements, particularly the safety arrangements. The EPA has requested the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to distribute a notice to emergency response agencies, similar to notices of shipments of things like uranium oxide from the Olympic Dam and Beverley uranium projects, to inform them about transport.

The commonwealth has indicated that it will consult fully on any changes, and it is anticipated that the commonwealth would engage with the state if their proposal contemplated changes of route through South Australia and that we would be fully engaged in that process. However, I am advised that whichever route is chosen to transport radioactive waste it will be under very strict controls and will present a minimal risk. I am advised that many hazardous materials are routinely and safely transported through the Riverland under state and commonwealth control. The measures that have been put in place in the past have obviously proven to be highly effective and I do not anticipate that that would change.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Lensink has a supplementary question?

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