Australia: Opposition grows against nuclear submarine base in Port Kembla

Opposition is growing in Australia regarding the potential establishment of a nuclear submarine base in the Illawarra region. Local organizations, including health, environmental, and trade union groups, have signed the Port Kembla Declaration to demand the federal government rule out a submarine base in the area.

Community members have expressed several concerns, including the risk of the region becoming a high-priority target for nuclear or conventional attacks, the potential for US submarines carrying nuclear weapons to dock at Port Kembla, and the risks of nuclear accidents or the storage of nuclear waste. Residents also cited potential negative social, economic, and environmental impacts on the local community.

While the decision on the base location has been deferred, local activists state that the delay does not alleviate fears regarding secret decision-making and a lack of community consultation.