Forty local organisations and community groups are launching a joint Port Kembla Declaration opposing the establishment of a nuclear submarine base at Port Kembla, calling for the federal government to rule it out. The Declaration states… “We recognise the unique health and safety risks that come with nuclear-fuelled submarines, and the potential impact of a major or minor incident on the broader community and the environment we all enjoy… We are concerned by the lack of community consultation and fear the federal government will override local dissent to impose a nuclear submarine base, as well as a nearby site to store associated long-lived and hazardous radioactive waste from Australian, US or UK submarines. We will not let this happen.” It has been endorsed by union, health, faith, student, environmental, creative, service and social justice organisations, including three local ALP branches. Endorsers include the Maritime Union of Australia (Port Kembla), South Coast Labor Council, Illawarra Teachers Association, Southern Youth and Family Services, Good for the Gong, Healthy Cities Australia and the National Tertiary Education Union (UOW branch). Tina Smith, President of the South Coast Labour Council said “We reject the idea of turning our region into a frontline for war games or nuclear escalation. The risks—environmental, social, and strategic—are too great, and the community has not been properly consulted” Gem Romuld, member of Wollongong Against War and Nukes said “Port Kembla must never be sacrificed for AUKUS. The Illawarra community has a proud historic and ongoing movement against war and militarism. This Declaration makes it clear: we will not be sidelined for a nuclear submarine base.” Port Kembla remains a potential site for a nuclear submarine base. This Declaration comes as recent FOI revelations from former Senator Rex Patrick indicate a business case for a Port Kembla or Newcastle base is being prepared for the NSW Government, but with a high level of secrecy. Further, the federal government has recently announced a $12bn AUKUS spend on construction facilities for ships and submarines in WA, along with two payments of $800m this year to fund US naval shipyards, despite Trump’s ongoing review of the agreement. |