Hill End has been ruled out as the site for a proposed national nuclear waste dump, the Federal Government has confirmed this morning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Central West site was one of six considered for dumping low and intermediate-level nuclear waste.
The only site to be shortlisted is Barndioota, South Australia where consultation will continue with the community before a final decision is made.
Spokesperson for ‘No Central West Nuclear Waste Dump’, Robyn Rayner said the announcement was a win for the community that has been fighting the proposal since November last year.
“I'm relieved I am absolutely relieved, I'm ecstatic but I have mixed emotions about South Australia still being on the list,” Ms Rayner said.
She said suggestions that the South Australian site was in favour of the proposal were “misleading” and “so wrong”.
“I'm so happy for Hill End and surrounding communities,” she said.
“If the government had have said: “We will stop the process and find the right site”, I would have been even happier.”
Federal Member for Calare, John Cobb said he is not surprised by the decision handed down by Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia, Josh Frydenberg, as the residents of Hill End were clear in their opposition to the facility.
“From day one I made it clear the community would have their say, if they didn’t want the facility they wouldn’t get it,” Mr Cobb said.
“A few months ago I told the community of Hill End they would not be shortlisted as proven today.
“The department undertook extensive consultation with each community and I thank landholders for the active participation in the process."
The announcement follows a 120 day community consultation period that concluded in March.
A final location for establishing the facility will be made within a year to allow for the next round of thorough consultation and assessment to take place.