Sunday, August 26, 2007

Attitude to nuclear power will change, PM says

Posted Fri Aug 24, 2007 11:28am AEST

Prime Minister John Howard says he believes some Australian communities would vote in favour of having a nuclear power station built nearby.

The Government says residents in any area where a reactor is proposed will be given a say through binding plebiscites.

The Greens say communities would vote down any nuclear power plant proposal, but Mr Howard disagrees.

"I don't think that there's any doubt that in 10 or 15 years time the whole attitude towards nuclear power will be different," he told Southern Cross Radio.

"That's why I am perfectly happy to indicate there should be plebiscites."

Meanwhile, environmentalists say Mr Howard is optimistic to think any Queensland community would support a nuclear reactor in their area.

The Australia Institute identified the Sunshine Coast and Bribie Island as possible sites.

Ian Christesen from the Sunshine Coast Environment Council says he does not believe any community, that meets the criteria for a nuclear reactor, would want one.

"He would have to be one of the greatest optimists if he believes that communities that meet the criteria ... are going to put their hands up for a nuclear reactor. I just can't see it happening," he said.

Tags: environment, alternative-energy, government-and-politics, federal-government, nuclear-energy, australia, bribie-island-4507, mooloolaba-4557

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