The federal government is on the lookout for a new place to stash the country’s nuclear waste.
On Thursday, Resources Minister Madeleine King confirmed the government will not be building a waste facility on Barngarla land in regional South Australian town of Kimba, after the federal court found the former Coalition government failed to properly consult traditional owners before approving the project.
The Minister says she’s sorry for the confusion the whole process has caused.
“I’m deeply sorry for the confusion this process has created in the Kimba community, my own department, for the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency workers, and for the workers involved in the project at Napandee.
I also acknowledge the profound distress this process has caused the Barngarla People, and I’m sorry for that too.
We have to get this right, this is long lasting, multi-generational governmental policy for the disposal of waste that can take thousands of years to decay.
We must consult widely, and bring stake holders, including First Nations People along with us.”
Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) Chairman Jason Bilney thanked the minister in a public statement.
“We are grateful as a First Nations People, and Traditional Owners, being the Barngarla People, that our voice has been heard, that our commitment to country heritage and culture will be protected and preserved.”
Image Credit: Matt Turner/AAP
