Thirroul library to host community forum on nuclear risk

A decision on whether to install a nuclear submarine base in Port Kembla harbour has been put off until 2030, but community group Wollongong Against War And Nukes (WAWAN) wants it taken off the table entirely.

This week marked the 79th anniversary of the first wartime atomic bomb.

On 6 August 1945 it was used against the civilian population of Hiroshima and between 90,000 and 166,000 people died.

Three days later, on 9 August, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki killing another 60,000 to 80,000.

WAWAN member Alexander Brown said that as war in the Middle East and Ukraine intensified the group’s message was more important than ever.

“We need to focus on trying to de-escalate conflict in our region,” he said.

“We don’t want an industry that is based on suffering and war.

“Arms dealers need war in order to sell their products; we don’t want to feed that industry; we want that money and effort to go into solving the problems that we face.”

To that end the group will hold an open forum at Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre and Library at 1 pm on Sunday 11 August.

The forum will remember the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and examine the nuclear threats we face today.

Speakers include ICAN Australia Director Gem Romuld, Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific movement veteran Vanessa Griffen, Greens Senator David Shoebridge, and South Coast Labour Council Secretary Arthur Rorris.

“We want to demonstrate the connections between uranium mining, nuclear energy, nuclear weapons and nuclear waste dumping,” Alexander said.

“The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines bring with them the threat that Australia will become a dumping ground for military nuclear waste from our AUKUS partners.

“So far proposals to dump nuclear waste have been defeated by regional communities like Brewarrina, but we’re concerned this could be another way to bring it in.

“On top of that, the Opposition is also talking about introducing nuclear power, when all credible sources have said this isn’t the way to go.”

Alexander said the group was made up of community members who were united by their opposition to war and the introduction of nuclear technology to the Illawarra’s oceans.

They’re also concerned about recent appearances in the region of politicians who support nuclear power, such as Barnaby Joyce.

“Some of us love the harbour and don’t want to see it restricted for recreational uses like surfing and fishing,” Alexander said.

“Others are worried about the effects of any possible nuclear incident on the ecosystem.

“We support the development of a sustainable, renewable use for our harbour, like the wind turbines that would create jobs and build on our strengths of manufacturing.

“This would be more beneficial for our community than becoming a military base town.

“I think a lot of the opposition is disingenuous, people like Barnaby Joyce who aren’t local and are looking for political gain and not at the real issues.”

The forum will be held at Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre and Library at 1 pm on Sunday 11 August.