SHORTLAND MP Pat Conroy has called on the federal government to reveal where it would potentially build nuclear power plants in the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Past studies into nuclear energy as well as a recent study by the Australian Nuclear Association had identified "suitable" sites for locating nuclear energy plants, Mr Conroy said.
"These sites include Glenbawn Dam, Liddell Power Station and Bayswater Power Station in the Hunter Valley, and Eraring, Munmorah and Vales Point power stations in the Lake Macquarie/Central Coast area."
Nuclear energy was banned in Australia, and would not deliver cheaper power to Australian families, the MP said.
The federal government, however, wasn't ruling out the nuclear option, he said.
"[Recently] in Parliament, Energy Minister Angus Taylor said he had an 'open mind' on the use of nuclear energy.
"Industry Minister Karen Andrews and several other MPs have made similar comments, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said nuclear power is 'not not' on his agenda, and Queensland MPs Keith Pitt and James McGrath have called for a parliamentary inquiry into the issue."
Mr Conroy said "with so many Coalition MPs now advocating its use", locals deserved to know where the government was headed on energy policy.
Mr Conroy, who is also the assistant shadow minister for climate change, said he would "never accept" a nuclear power plant being built locally.
Nor would the community, he said.