AUSTRALIA’s first nuclear power plant could be built at Moree’s Special Activation Precinct if a bold US-led plan is realised.

A suggestion to use the old 50m pool site at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre as a nuclear waste storage and recycling facility is also being considered.

American nuclear energy company, Carlson, Leonard & Burns, wants to establish a chain of nuclear power plants at rural locations across Australia – including Moree – but says waiting for laws to change could take years.

Australia currently bans the generation of nuclear energy, with laws prohibiting the construction of nuclear power reactors.

However, CL&B spokesperson, Charles Burns, says his company is prepared to wait.

“Australia will need a big shift in government thinking to make our plan even close to becoming a reality,” Mr Burns told Moree Online News.

“But one thing we have is time, and we are seriously looking at purchasing land at the Moree Special Activation Precinct to develop the first of at least 12 nuclear power reactors across Australia.

“The land might not be shovel-ready for another 10 years, possibly longer, but we’ll be prepared when Australia learns to accept nuclear energy, and that day will come eventually,” he said.

“Acquiring land at the SAP now, means we can have everything in place and ready for construction as soon as the green light is switched on.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed nuclear power plant at the Moree Special Activation Precinct.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan says the Moree SAP is an ideal location for such a facility.

“This will create a lot of employment and is a much better option than wind farms and solar farms,” Mr Moylan said.

He said disposal of nuclear waste will be straightforward as well.

“There are always issues about where to store nuclear waste, but the big hole in the ground next to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, where the 50-metre pool used to be, is a perfect spot – the hole is already there,” he said.

Low-level waste is often buried in near-surface facilities, while high-level waste, or spent fuel, is stored in pools or dry casks before planned, deep geological disposal.

“Up to 96 per cent of spent nuclear fuel is recyclable, allowing it to be used as fresh, mixed oxide fuel, known as MOX, which significantly reduces the amount of high-level waste requiring final disposal,” Mr Moylan said.

MOX is a type of nuclear fuel that blends plutonium with depleted uranium, natural uranium, or reprocessed uranium, and creates an alternative to conventional low-enriched uranium fuel.

When removed from a reactor, fuel is extremely hot and radioactive. It is placed in deep, concrete pools lined with stainless steel, where the water acts as both a cooling agent and a radiation shield.

“This could be done at the old 50-metre pool site, as long as all the leaks have been fixed,” Mr Moylan said.

When developed, the Moree SAP will provide access to national and international markets, with strategic road and rail connectivity and high water security.

Located at the junction of the Newell, Gwydir and Carnarvon Highways, and Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail alignment, the Moree SAP will offer seamless access to major ports and regional centres.

Rail links to Newcastle and Botany Ports will further develop export potential.

The Moree precinct is primed for investment in high-value horticulture, agrifood processing, freight and logistics, and renewable energy.

Mr Burns says Moree oozes sustainable growth for new enterprises – including nuclear energy.

“A nuclear power plant at Moree will produce enough energy to supply electricity to most of northern New South Wales,” Mr Burns said.

“Our plan is to eventually build three plants across New South Wales, with Moree servicing a large, northern inland area.

“A second plant will service the southern regions and a third, much larger plant will service coastal regions and the Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong areas.

“We have similar plans for every state and territory in Australia – as soon as the go-ahead is given,” Mr Burns said.

DISCLAIMER: As always, April Fool’s Day pranks officially cease at midday on April 1. Many thanks, Brendan Moylan, for your contribution to this year’s prank article from Moree Online News.