Monday December 9
A political hearing in Lithgow next week will hear from locals on their opposition to building nuclear reactors in the region.
The federal Parliament’s select committee on nuclear energy is looking into a scheme from the Coalition to build nuclear reactors at sites around the country, including in Lithgow.
Members of the community are speaking out against the scheme, saying that they want investment in safe and reliable renewable power, not risky nuclear reactors in the region.
They are concerned about the risks of having a nuclear reactor in community, including:
- Water supply and usage
- Health, wellbeing and safety of people living in the region
- Energy security as coal-fired power stations retire
- The impact on kids’ futures if there are further delays to cutting climate pollution
Ahead of the hearing on Wednesday, December 11, the below spokespeople are available for media comment.
To arrange interviews, please contact:
Sean Kennedy on 0447 121 378 or sean.kennedy@climatemediacentre.org.au or Emily Watkins on 0420 622 408 or emily.watkins@climatemediacentre.org.au
Thomas Ebersoll, Lithgow Environment Group spokesperson, lives at Newnes, where he runs holiday cabins, off grid since 2001. He has been actively involved with the Lithgow community since moving to the area in 2000 and will speak on behalf of the Lithgow Environment Group at the hearing.
Location: Newnes
Jim Blackwood, Bathurst Community Climate Action Network (BCCAN) vice-president and retired Bathurst GP will speak on behalf of BCCAN at the Lithgow hearing.
Location: Bathurst
Julie Favell, founding member of Lithgow Environment Group and natural areas officer, who advocates for renewable power, the preservation of natural areas and reducing emissions and loss of habitat.
Location: Lithgow
Stephanie Luke lives in Bathurst but travels and works around the country minding properties for people taking a break from bushfires, floods and droughts. She will be attending the hearing as a member of Bathurst Community Climate Action Network (which supports greater investment in renewable power in NSW's Central West), and she is a member of a number of other environmental advocacy organisations. She can’t wait for the tide to turn on fossil fuels. Her definition of safe sustainable renewables does not include nuclear.
Location: Lithgow
