Queensland Premier Steven Miles
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has strongly opposed the Liberal Party’s proposition to introduce nuclear reactors in the northern regions of the state, asserting that such a move is a “recipe for a cost-of-living meltdown”.
“Nuclear is the most expensive option,” Miles said in a joint statement with Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister Mick de Brenni.
The Queensland government’s stance comes in response to the ‘Nuclear for Climate Australia’ initiative, championed by Coalition MPs, which proposes various sites in Queensland for potential nuclear development, including Townsville, the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Brisbane Valley, Toowooba and the Darling Downs, among others.
Currently, nuclear power is prohibited in Queensland.
“What we know about those nuclear reactors is that they will be much more expensive. As much as five times more expensive for your household power bills.
“We also know that as a result of those reactors, future generations of Queenslanders will have to manage nuclear waste forever,” said Miles.
De Brenni reinforced the government’s commitment to renewable energy, noting the support of the Queensland Resources Council for Labor’s renewable energy initiatives.
He highlighted the Copperstring project that aims to unlock the A$500-billion North West minerals province by connecting the country’s biggest renewable energy zone at Hughenden and power a critical minerals industry.