Date: 18 January 2006

Outcomes of Public Forum on ANSTO Application to Operate OPAL Research Reactor - Final Public Submissions Sought

The outcomes of the public forum held on 8-9 December 2005 on the application by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for a licence to operate the OPAL research reactor at Lucas Heights in Sydney are now available. The CEO of Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Dr John Loy has also invited the public to make further submissions about the application.

The forum was conducted by a panel of three comprising Dr Loy, Dr Lars Hogberg (former Director General of the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate) and Professor Jim Falk (Director of the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society, University of Melbourne).

Dr Hogberg and Professor Falk have each provided a short report to Dr Loy evaluating the material discussed at the forum. The full transcript of the two days of discussion at the forum is also available.

The transcript of the public forum proceedings and the panellists' reports are available on ARPANSA's website.

"I will take the contents of Dr Hogberg's and Professor Falk's report into account when I make a determination on whether to grant ANSTO a licence to operate the research reactor" Dr Loy said.

"During the public forum there were important issues raised including emergency preparedness, radioactive waste management and the reactor's net benefit to the community."

"In light of the issues raised during the proceedings, I invite members of the public to make further submissions before I make a final determination on the licence application" said Dr Loy.

"Any further submissions should be provided to ARPANSA at PO Box 655 MIRANDA NSW 1490 by 28 February 2006" said Dr Loy.

ENDS