Premier floats water supply risk from nuclear push

Premier Steven Miles says a nuclear energy plan could jeopardise Brisbane's drinking water supply. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

People might be forced to choose between accessing drinking water or a shower under Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan, the Queensland premier says.

Steven Miles backed Queensland not to support the federal opposition leader's policy, warning it might put water supply at risk during a drought.

Mr Dutton has pledged to build seven nuclear plants across five states on the sites of coal-fired power stations if elected.

Two of the proposed sites are located in the Sunshine State - at Callide in central Queensland and Tarong, northwest of Brisbane.

"We have a comprehensive plan to deliver secure access to clean water for Queensland, households, farmers and businesses - all of that is at risk under the LNP's nuclear plans," Mr Miles told a Queensland estimates hearing on Tuesday.

The premier tabled a department report at the hearing which warned nuclear-powered facilities used up to 83 per cent more water than coal-fired stations, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles
Queensland won't support Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan, Premier Steven Miles says.

Mr Miles said nuclear plants could deplete water reserves during a drought under the LNP's plan.

He said a nuclear reactor would draw about 15 per cent of the remaining water a year out of Wivenhoe Dam, the main water supply for Brisbane.

"Brisbane drinking water supply will be placed at risk by nuclear power during a drought," Mr Miles said.

"The people of Brisbane would be forced to make the choice of having access to drinking water and a shower, or whether to have the water that comes back out of nuclear reactors.

"I don't think Brisbane residents want to be drinking water recycled from a nuclear power plant."

Mr Miles' report warned a legislative overhaul and substantial regulatory reform would be required to establish the nuclear plan, describing it as a "significant challenge" that would take time.

In Queensland, nuclear energy is banned under the Nuclear Facilities Prohibition Act 2007.

It forbids the construction and operation of particular nuclear reactors and other facilities in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Queensland LNP and opposition leader David Crisafulli has repeatedly said nuclear energy is not part of his party's plans ahead of the October state election despite the federal leader's stance.

The Queensland Conservation Council said the report indicated water used to irrigate crops would be threatened.

"Nuclear power's insatiable thirst for water could turn our water problem from bad to disastrous," the council's Dave Copeman said.

"This is not a viable solution for our energy needs."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store