ALP calls protest on nuke ”threats”

Hamish Heard
Labor candidate for Corio Richard Marles and Member for Lara John Eren have issued a call to arms over claims the Howard Government could build a nuclear reactor at Avalon or Point Wilson.
The pair called a public protest on the same day Labor candidate for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman said a nuclear plant south of the city was “highly likely”.
But federal Liberal Member for Corangamite Stewart McArthur put the heat back on Labor, saying state planning laws meant it was up to Premier Steve Bracks to approve reactor sites in the seat.
Liberal candidate for Corio Angelo Kakouros accused the trio of “scaremongering”, saying a report to the Federal Government had found Avalon and Point Wilson unsuitable for a nuclear reactor.
But Mr Marles said a “very good chance” existed that one of the two sites would host a nuclear power station if the Liberal party was returned to office at the federal election.
He referred to a report on nuclear energy, which stated Australia needed 25 nuclear reactors by 2050.
Mr Marles said the Government could place a reactor on sites under Commonwealth jurisdiction, including Point Wilson and Avalon, to circumvent state planning laws.
“The Howard Government’s decision to take Australia down a nuclear path is very concerning for everyone in Geelong,” Mr Marles said.
Mr Eren said he and Mr Marles would today launch a public petition against nuclear energy in the region, followed by a public protest meeting.
Mr Kakouros rubbished claims that Corio was earmarked for nuclear development.
“Marles neglects to mention that the report he referred to which examined Avalon as a potential (reactor) site clearly stated there were more reasons not to put one there than there were reasons in favour of it.”