A PLAN to ship nuclear waste to and from Port Kembla has been opposed by the Australian Greens who claim it will put the safety of Illawarra residents at risk.
The Greens highlighted the dangers of transporting radioactive materials from Lucas Heights down steep and accident-prone roads leading to Port Kembla.
Greens MP and transport spokeswoman Lee Rhiannon said the Illawarra was notorious for accident black spots and truck accidents and that there exists a very real risk of a nuclear container going up in flames.
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) defended spent nuclear fuel rods would be transported in the Sydney-Illawarra region under the strictest security and safety standards.
The organisation even offered to attend a briefing with the maritime union and labour council on Thursday.
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris said that due to the enormous public interest in the matter, the council wanted the meeting open to the media and interested people. He reiterated that public safety was the top priority.
The move to transport nuclear waste through the Illawarra is at odds with Wollongong City Council's position and that of the labour council — that the city remain a nuclear-free zone.
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