MEDIA RELEASE UFUA APRIL 28
The United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA) has stated it will oppose Peter Dutton’s
proposal to build seven nuclear reactors across Australia, warning of a massive hidden cost
and unacceptable risks to firefighters and community safety.
The UFUA has revealed that the Coalition’s costings exclude more than half a billion dollars
in essential emergency services infrastructure and personnel. The costs identified by the
UFUA include:
- $446.68 million to establish specialised fire stations both in and near the proposed
nuclear sites. - $79.7 million annually in additional firefighter salaries.
UFUA National Secretary Greg McConville said the omission of these critical expenses
shows the nuclear plan is both financially reckless and a threat to firefighter and public
safety.
“The Coalition’s nuclear plan ignores the reality that nuclear power demands a specialised,
fully equipped emergency response capability. This is a half-billion-dollar black hole in their
costings puts firefighters and communities at risk, and places the overall cost further out of
reach.
“Firefighters already face extreme risks responding to bushfires, floods, and industrial incidents. Nuclear power introduces a new, more dangerous threat we are not prepared for,
radioactive contamination that can linger for decades.”
“A nuclear accident would stretch our already under-resourced emergency services to
breaking point. The consequences for firefighters, first responders, and surrounding
communities would be catastrophic.”
Mr McConville said nuclear power is the wrong choice for Australia’s energy future.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect homes, schools, and hospitals.
Asking us to safeguard nuclear reactors, something the Australian public has never asked
for, is both reckless and irresponsible.”
“This is a high-risk, high-cost gamble with no clear benefit. Our communities deserve clean,
safe, and affordable energy solutions, not a nuclear burden that compromises emergency
response and public safety.”
Check out the UFUA webpage on https://www.ufua.asn.au/nuclear/