With only days out until the federal election – local citizens, business leaders, First Nations leaders, trade union and environment groups have come together in an unprecedented alliance opposing the imposition of nuclear power on Gippsland.
The group has staged a series of community events, demonstrations, sit-ins and a First Nations-led forum encouraging whoever wins the election to stay the course on the renewable transition already well underway in the region.
Hayley Sestokas, Senior Latrobe Valley Organiser for Environment Victoria, said:
“The local community in Gippsland didn’t ask for this nuclear fight – the threat of becoming a nuclear hub was foisted on us without due consultation or consideration.
“But it is the everyday people here – including business leaders, Traditional Owners and just concerned citizens who are the heroes of the hour for putting this issue at the top of the agenda and making their opposition to Peter Dutton’s nuclear fantasy loud and clear.”
“The Nuclear Activities (Prohibition) Act came into force in 1983 in Victoria – it should be honoured. Despite the concerted campaign from Peter Dutton, Victoria looks set to again vote against nuclear power at this election.”
“Nuclear power might have worked in other countries, but it’s not the right fit for Australia, and certainly isn’t right for the Latrobe Valley. Our community has lived with the adverse health and environmental impacts of heavily polluting industry for the last century.”
“We have our sights set on clean renewable power as a future for our region and with over $40bn of investment making its way into Gippsland, safe, well paid jobs in clean energy are already materialising.
“The community has spoken out loud and clear through community forums, weekly knit-ins outside Darren Chester’s office, public demonstrations, market stalls and more. Nuclear has no place in Gippsland – not now, not ever.”
Background for journalists –
List of community events that have taken place in Gippsland in the election lead up
Note: Gippsland community leaders and spokes are available to speak with media before or after the federal election