Joint Welcome for Establishment of the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME), Frazer-Nash Consultancy and the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Radiation Research, Education and Innovation (CRREI) jointly welcome the Commonwealth Government’s establishment of the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) as the operator responsible for the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF), to be located Adelaide.
South Australia has developed considerable uranium expertise acquired through development of multiple uranium mines and their associated supply chains in addition to dedicated academic research, education and innovation, making Adelaide a natural choice to host the ARWA.
As a result of this high concentration of expertise and alongside development of the NRWMF, SACOME and member company Frazer-Nash advocated for establishing a dedicated agency for the management of Australia’s radioactive waste to be based in Adelaide.
The creation of the new agency is an important next step in the process of developing the NRWMF in Kimba and advancing Australia’s radioactive waste management storage capabilities.
Rebecca Knol, Chief Executive Officer said “Co-locating the ARWA and the NRWMF in South Australia is a responsible decision on the part of the Commonwealth Government and ensures that regulatory oversight of the NRWMF can occur at a ‘local’ level.
SACOME also acknowledges the advocacy efforts of member company Frazer-Nash Consultancy, whose nuclear and regulatory expertise were instrumental in making an Adelaide-based ARWA a reality.
The ARWA and NRWMF will result in 80 highly skilled jobs for the South Australian economy and highlights the important role the South Australian resources sector continues to play in the nation’s post COVID-19 recovery.”
Jonathan Armstrong, Director of Frazer-Nash said “This announcement is in keeping with fundamental safety principle from the International Atomic Energy Agency that the prime responsibility for safety must rest with the organisation responsible for the activities that give rise to the risk. The ARWA can clearly hold that responsibility as the development of the NRWMF now enters the detailed design phase.”
“Creating a new agency provides for both independence from waste producers and a level of specialist expertise beyond that expected from a policy department. Basing the ARWA in South Australia means it can now draw on a depth of local expertise and make that accessible to community stakeholders.”
Associate Professor Tony Hooker said “CRREI was recently established by the University to consolidate and expand expertise in radiation science and education, building on existing SA and University strengths across multiple disciplines including mining and mineral processing, medical isotopes, radiation dosimetry, environmental monitoring and assessment, engineering, hydrology, geology and societal studies. CRREI anticipates working closely with ARWA in this exciting opportunity for SA.”
Media contacts:
Rebecca Knol CEO SACOME, 0409 012 007
Jonathan Armstrong, Director - Australian Business, Frazer Nash Consultancy, 08 7325 4200
Associate Professor Tony Hooker CRREI, 0439 961 018
Professor Nigel Spooner CRREI, 0448 367 101
About SACOME
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy is the peak industry association representing companies with interests and connections to the South Australian resources and energy sector.
South Australia has developed considerable uranium expertise acquired through development of multiple uranium mines and their associated supply chains in addition to dedicated academic research, education and innovation, making Adelaide a natural choice to host the ARWA.
As a result of this high concentration of expertise and alongside development of the NRWMF, SACOME and member company Frazer-Nash advocated for establishing a dedicated agency for the management of Australia’s radioactive waste to be based in Adelaide.
The creation of the new agency is an important next step in the process of developing the NRWMF in Kimba and advancing Australia’s radioactive waste management storage capabilities.
Rebecca Knol, Chief Executive Officer said “Co-locating the ARWA and the NRWMF in South Australia is a responsible decision on the part of the Commonwealth Government and ensures that regulatory oversight of the NRWMF can occur at a ‘local’ level.
SACOME also acknowledges the advocacy efforts of member company Frazer-Nash Consultancy, whose nuclear and regulatory expertise were instrumental in making an Adelaide-based ARWA a reality.
The ARWA and NRWMF will result in 80 highly skilled jobs for the South Australian economy and highlights the important role the South Australian resources sector continues to play in the nation’s post COVID-19 recovery.”
Jonathan Armstrong, Director of Frazer-Nash said “This announcement is in keeping with fundamental safety principle from the International Atomic Energy Agency that the prime responsibility for safety must rest with the organisation responsible for the activities that give rise to the risk. The ARWA can clearly hold that responsibility as the development of the NRWMF now enters the detailed design phase.”
“Creating a new agency provides for both independence from waste producers and a level of specialist expertise beyond that expected from a policy department. Basing the ARWA in South Australia means it can now draw on a depth of local expertise and make that accessible to community stakeholders.”
Associate Professor Tony Hooker said “CRREI was recently established by the University to consolidate and expand expertise in radiation science and education, building on existing SA and University strengths across multiple disciplines including mining and mineral processing, medical isotopes, radiation dosimetry, environmental monitoring and assessment, engineering, hydrology, geology and societal studies. CRREI anticipates working closely with ARWA in this exciting opportunity for SA.”
Media contacts:
Rebecca Knol CEO SACOME, 0409 012 007
Jonathan Armstrong, Director - Australian Business, Frazer Nash Consultancy, 08 7325 4200
Associate Professor Tony Hooker CRREI, 0439 961 018
Professor Nigel Spooner CRREI, 0448 367 101
About SACOME
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy is the peak industry association representing companies with interests and connections to the South Australian resources and energy sector.