THE Nature Conservation Council says the Nationals' support for nuclear power is a "dangerous and expensive distraction" from the coal to clean energy debate and is not the sustainable, long-term priority for the environment.
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Deputy premier John Barilaro has confirmed The Nationals will support a One Nation bill to allow nuclear power in NSW, reigniting debate on the controversial topic.
NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham's Uranium Mining And Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill is currently before the upper house and, if successful, would see the 36-year prohibition on uranium mining and nuclear lifted.
NSW Labor hit back immediately confirming it would not introduce nuclear power in NSW, if elected.
Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Grafton and Coffs Harbour have all been flagged as regions of interest for nuclear power plants.
Other regions include the Upper Hunter (Singleton, Muswellbrook), Shoalhaven (Jervis Bay, Nowra), Central West (Lithgow), Snowy Mountains, and Albury/Wodonga.
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"Local MPs Leslie Williams and Stephen Bromhead need to tell us whether they support their leader's plans to make it legal to build a nuclear power plant on the Mid-North Coast," Nature Conservation Council chief executive Chris Gambian said.
"Nuclear power is extremely dangerous and leaves a legacy of radiation pollution that lasts generations.
"It is a dangerous and expensive distraction from urgent work we need to do to transition from coal to clean energy and storage.
"People on the Mid-North Coast don't want nuclear power and they don't need it.
"Clean energy is by far the cheapest, cleanest and most sustainable way to meet our energy needs and it offers regional areas a very bright future.
"The transition from dirty coal and gas to clean solar, wind and storage will attract $25 billion of investment, result in the construction of about 2,500 wind turbines and installation of more 42 million solar panels across the state."
Read more: Repeal NSW uranium mining ban: inquiry
Nationals MP Leslie Williams said The Nationals reaffirmed its commitment at last year's state party conference to support zero emission nuclear energy in Australia as part of the energy mix for the future.
"Following the Upper House inquiry into the mining of uranium in NSW and nuclear energy the process going forward is that the government will respond through the usual cabinet process and The Nationals policy will be argued through that process," she said.
Nationals MP Michael Johnsen has backed a small nuclear reactor for the Upper Hunter, saying nuclear energy would be a "good fit" for the region.
"If emissions are to be reduced then nuclear is the perfect option," he said.
Mr Johnsen said "Yes, yes and yes" to questions about whether he backed Mr Barilaro's comments, and whether the Upper Hunter was well placed to support nuclear energy and a small modular nuclear reactor.
"The Upper Hunter is a good fit because of its extensive energy infrastructure and opportunity for growth. It's important to have a rational, sensible discussion on nuclear energy in the context of modern technology," he said.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp slammed the Nationals' move and condemned the Nationals' "reckless support" for nuclear power in NSW at its 2019 conference.
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