The Hon Julie Bishop MP - Minister for Education, Science and Training, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues

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Media Release

Radioactive waste management

8 May 2007

BUDB 36/07

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will receive $4 million funding over two years as part of the 2007-08 Budget for the installation of new low-level radioactive waste compaction equipment, the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced today.

The funding will provide ANSTO with the ability to more efficiently store low-level waste in advance of the establishment of the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Facility (CRWMF).

"The Australian Government is committed to the construction of a waste management facility in the Northern Territory," Minister Bishop said.

"However, the process of obtaining the necessary environmental and regulatory approvals will take time and the Australian Government has provided this additional funding to ensure waste at the ANSTO site continues to be managed safely and securely, as it has been for many decades."

Existing waste storage facilities at ANSTO provide insufficient capacity for the low-level solid wastes expected to be produced between now and the opening of the CRWMF.

The use of waste compaction equipment will also substantially reduce the number of shipments to the CRWMF once the facility is established in the Northern Territory.

Media Contacts

Minister Bishop’s Office: Tory Vidler 0414 228 727

ANSTO: Sharon Kelly 0400 394 085

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

The proposal aims to provide ANSTO with the ability to more efficiently store low-level waste for a sufficient period to allow establishment of the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Facility (CRWMF) in the Northern Territory.

Existing waste storage facilities on site provide insufficient capacity for the low-level solid wastes expected to be produced between now and the opening of the CRWMF.

The super compaction of wastes prior to their transport to the CRWMF will significantly reduce the number of transport movements to the facility.

Under amendments to the ANSTO Act adopted last year, the waste compaction equipment can also be used for the treatment of waste owned by other Commonwealth agencies.

Who will benefit?

The taxpayer, because the need to construct new waste storage facilities on the ANSTO site will be avoided.

The community generally through a significantly reduced number of shipments of radioactive waste to the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

$4 million over two years.

What have we done in the past?

Waste has been stored in existing licensed facilities on site which are nearly at full capacity.

When will the initiative conclude?

2008-09.