The Australian Government acknowledges the outcome of the community ballot in Kimba, regarding the proposal for a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.
The ballot, conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), took place over a five-week period from Thursday 3 October to Thursday 7 November, with the question posed to members of the community being as follows:
“Do you support the proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Facility being located at one of the nominated sites in the community of Kimba?”
A total 745 ballot papers were returned for scrutiny from the District Council of Kimba, 734 of which were formal votes. Of those:
- 452 (61.58%) voted Yes.
- 282 (38.42%) voted No.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator the Hon Matt Canavan, acknowledged the significant level of community support indicated in the ballot result, and thanked those who took part.
“This ballot result shows a clear level of support for the proposal amongst eligible participants,” Minister Canavan said.
“I will consider these results alongside other indicators of community support and technical information about the site, once the Flinders Ranges Council ballot is complete later this year.
“Other indicators of community sentiment include results from neighbour and local business surveys which will be undertaken over November and December, and submissions, which remain open to anyone with an interest, no matter where they live.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in the community ballot, and those who continue to participate in the other consultation mechanisms. We encourage anyone interested in the project to have their say by making a submission at www.radioactivewaste.gov.au”
A decision on whether the facility will proceed in Kimba will not be made until the conclusion in December of the consultation process and ballot for communities near Wallerberdina Station.
For more information on the project, go to: www.radioactivewaste.gov.au
