Newsroom

June 19, 2024

When the LNP and Labor signed up to emissions targets, it seems that no one thought about how to keep the lights on, but now finally we have a real plan from the Federal LNP, said Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, responding to Federal Liberal Leader Peter Dutton’s announcement regarding nuclear power sites.

“Despite the LNP here in Queensland not yet towing the party line, I’m thrilled to see that KAP’s long held position on Nuclear is resonating with the LNP in Canberra,” the KAP Leader said.

Robbie Katter and the KAP have been strongly behind nuclear as a reliable source of power for many years, even holding a forum in Mount Isa on the matter in 2023.

“We at the KAP believe that there should be a mix of reliable and affordable power for Queensland, which includes coal and nuclear,” Mr Katter said.

“Our coal power plants have served us for years and can continue to do so.  So can nuclear.

The KAP leader, also renewed his call for a lift of the ban on uranium mining in Queensland.

“My very first question on the floor of the Queensland Parliament called for a lift of the uranium ban, which resulted in the Newman government doing half a job.  Labor proceeded to slam any hopes though as soon as they got back into government,” Mr Katter said.

“While Dutton is looking for the cheapest way to make nuclear work, we at the KAP are firmly of the view that if you’re going to do something, do it well, and do it right,” he said.

“Coal fired power plants should remain producing our reliable power, and that’s why we support going bigger and better.

“If you look at Mount Isa, we have all the solutions in the one place.

“Mount Isa is geologically extremely stable, we are away from the coast and the most devastating natural disasters, it’d be the perfect location.

“Add to this, Mount Isa is an industrial town, and we get what industry means.  It means jobs, prosperity, and a future.

“I’ve said it before, including in parliament, and I’ll say it again – many say, ‘not in my backyard’, but I’m confident Mount Isa would support having nuclear plant.

“We know the benefit to our community, our small business, and our economy if nuclear were to come to town.

“With CopperString finally getting out of the ground, the time is right to say, ‘yes’ to a nuclear plant in Mount Isa, and to providing Queensland and Australia with a nuclear-powered future,” he said.