The NSW government is preparing a final business case for cabinet which would allow nuclear submarines to dock at the Port of Newcastle or Port Kembla.
No community consultation has been undertaken on the proposed nuclear submarine sites in Newcastle or the Illawarra despite documents, provided to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) by the NSW government, showing the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is finalising their recommendations.
The NCAT hearing and documents are the result of a challenge by Senator Rex Patrick after the NSW Government refused to release documents under freedom of information laws.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment, Sue Higginson said, ‘The people of Newcastle and the Illawarra are in the crosshairs of the federal government’s plan to host nuclear tools of war and long lasting toxic waste from the United States – and it’s all happening behind closed doors.
‘Premier Chris Minns is picking up where Peter Dutton left off, with no plan for where their inevitable nuclear waste will be stored, but he’s going further making us and our ports vulnerable military targets.’
Minns’ captains call on subs
MLC Sue Higginson went on to say, ‘It’s a disaster plan in every sense. The people of NSW and Australia have been so clear about our rejection of nuclear and all of its dangers, but here we have what seems to be another reckless captain’s call from Minns.
‘These decisions, happening a long way from the affected communities, represent a seismic shift in policy for NSW when it comes to nuclear machines of war and nuclear waste storage.
‘We shouldn’t accept that these massive decisions can only be made by premiers or prime ministers, we must have early and transparent consultation sitting at the heart of these kinds of moves.’
Greens Councillor for the Illawarra, Jess Whittaker, said ‘Chris Minns and Labor shouldn’t underestimate the grassroots community opposition to war activities in the Illawarra. We have a long and proud history as a peaceful city and allowing the arrival of nuclear submarines will be strongly opposed.’
Greens Councillor for Newcastle, Charlotte McCabe said, ‘The NSW and Australian governments seem determined to make Newcastle a centre for weapons investment, this is the last thing that our community needs or wants.
‘We have a growing young person population in our city, and they want stronger climate action and support for essential community services, slapping a nuclear submarine in our beautiful harbour is not on the agenda.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
