We, the undersigned organisations,

Are deeply concerned by the potential siting of a nuclear submarine base in Port Kembla, on the traditional lands and waters of the Dharawal people.

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.

The port is an important part of the Illawarra and we oppose its transformation into a military base, to the exclusion of the general community. It would put steel jobs at risk and crowd out local renewable energy industries.

We are concerned that the presence of nuclear submarines would make the Illawarra a high priority target for conventional or nuclear attack from an adversary. Building a new base, whether for Australian, US or UK nuclear submarines in Port Kembla would further escalate regional tensions.

Nuclear submarines and a new military base to host them in Port Kembla would cost billions, which should be invested in pressing community needs such as health, housing, clean energy and education.

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.

We call on the federal government to rule out a nuclear submarine base at Port Kembla.