Media Release

The head of Australia’s independent nuclear regulator has given a public assurance that Sutherland Shire residents will be properly informed at any future stage of the licensing process for the proposed replacement research reactor at Lucas Heights.

Dr John Loy, who is the CEO of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, gave this commitment at the agency’s inaugural Public Information Session held at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre last Thursday night.

He said ARPANSA was a new agency with a big task as it was responsible for licensing all Commonwealth bodies that dealt with nuclear and other radioactive sources, including the CSIRO and the Department of Defence. It also deals with other forms of radiation, including emissions from mobile phone towers and ultraviolet radiation.

He said the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act, which came into effect last year, required him to consult with the public when considering all licence applications for nuclear facilities.

He acknowledged the concern of local residents arising from the decision to build a replacement research reactor at Lucas Heights.

"Naturally [the proposed replacement research reactor] is a matter of worry and concern that people debate more in this area than others," he said.

"I believe I have an extra duty to the people who live near Lucas Heights." he said.

"I will ensure that from day one of the expected construction application there is good, strong, useful and accessible information available to the public."

He said that as part of any construction licensing process he would:

• arrange an independent review of the application by international experts;

• make public all questions ARPANSA may put to Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (‘ANSTO’) regarding the application and all responses from ANSTO; and

• include the Sutherland Shire Council in all relevant deliberations.

As well ARPANSA’s Nuclear Safety Committee, a group of experts set up under the Act to advise the CEO, would conduct reviews of some key issues important in ensuring that the design is safe. Issues to be addressed would include the ability of the proposed research reactor to withstand earthquakes and protection against accidents involving loss of coolant.

Dr Loy said he expected ANSTO would apply to him for a licence to construct the proposed research reactor in about six months.

ENDS