FREMANTLE mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge says her council will look at “any potential opportunities” the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal produces for the local economy, despite the City’s decades-long anti-nuclear policy.
Ms Fitzhardinge said current plans suggest no nuclear waste or transportation within the Fremantle municipality.
“At this stage we expect any opportunities for Fremantle would be related to Pillar 2 [of the AUKUS deal], particularly the technological capability elements,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.
“We already have strengths in the marine and immersive technology sectors.”
Fremantle’s awkward position on AUKUS was highlighted by Greens Upper House candidate Sophie McNeill, who was due to speak on the issue on Thursday night as the Herald was heading to the printers.
Ms McNeil says there has been an “alarming lack” of community consultation about the presence of a nuclear submarine base and building facilities in Cockburn Sound.
“It is disappointing Fremantle council did not put its own submission into the inquiry highlighting the city’s long-standing anti-nuclear policy,” Ms McNeill said.
“It is directly at odds with Defence Department plans to allow for naval nuclear propulsion facilities to be created in WA, including for storing or disposing of radioactive waste from AUKUS submarines.
“AUKUS undermines Australia’s sovereignty, creates a massive economic burden, and poses significant environmental, security and safety risks to our community.”
Fremantle’s anti-nuke policy states: “The whole municipality of Fremantle is a nuclear free zone”, and that “Council opposes the development of a nuclear waste facility in Western Australia.”
The policy was introduced in 2000 and was amended in 2003.
The Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance, which includes Fremantle, endorsed the 2023 Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill in December last year.
The PSWMA also comprises the local governments of East Fremantle, Kwinana, Cockburn, Rockingham, and Melville, who are “generally supportive” of the 2023 Bill which addresses safety of communities located near the nuclear base on Garden Island.
In the submission letter from December last year, the PSWMA outlined the need for “open and transparent reporting” about the naval nuclear facilities located near major residential areas, saying it is critical to “developing public acceptance” of the subs.
Ms Fitzhardinge said the submission wasn’t an endorsement of AUKUS, but was integral for local governments around the nuclear base to have a say in its safety planning and understand how it would affect their communities.
“We will remain actively engaged with State and Federal agencies to better understand any regional risks and risk management plans,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.
by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER