Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, the Hon Keith Pitt MP, thanked the people of Kimba for their time this week to discuss the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

Kimba has been identified to host the facility, where Australia’s radioactive waste, most of which comes from the development of life-saving nuclear medicines, will be stored.

Minister Pitt said he valued the opportunity to speak with community members about progress to establish the facility and future opportunities for the community.

“If not for COVID-19 travel restrictions I would have been here months ago, but I was very pleased to visit Kimba and meet with the local community to discuss this critically important facility,” Minister Pitt said.

“It will support the continued supply of nuclear medicine and research in Australia, that two in three of us on average will need at some point in our lives.

“This project will consolidate our radioactive waste accumulated over about 70 years, currently spread across more than 100 locations across Australia, into a one, safe, and purpose-built facility.

“So, while it is nationally significant, it will also come along with local benefits, including 45 full-time jobs and a new alternative industry to agriculture, which will be particularly welcomed during times of drought.

“It was important to speak with people both for and against the facility, and my experience reflects what has been demonstrated in local surveys over the years and that is while some people are concerned, most have a strong desire for this project to be delivered.

“Thank you to all community members who met with me including, Napandee landowner Jeff Baldock, Kimba Mayor Dean Johnson, representatives from the No Radioactive Waste on Agricultural Land in Kimba or SA, Working for Kimba’s Future and the Kimba Consultative Committee.”

Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey welcomed the Minister’s visit.

“It was very good to have the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt here to talk about this very significant project, which will deliver long-term economic benefits for the Kimba community,” Mr Ramsey said.

“The Minister met with community members and local business owners to discuss the opportunities for and expectations of the community. I’m confident the experience has helped him fully appreciate the drive and determination that exists here.

“The message was pretty clear, Kimba has been on this pathway now for five years, and while there have been strongly differing opinions it has entered the construction process in good faith and a decision has been reached.

“They would like now for the Parliament to deliver on its promises.”

To find out more about the facility, visit: radioactivewaste.gov.au.

Media contact: 

Minister Pitt's office - 02 6277 7180

Mr Ramsey's office - 02 6277 4967