Kimba dump proposal ‘concerning’

Farmers with land adjoining possible sites for the facility have united to send a strong message to Canberra that they are against the proposal.

They fear it will negatively impact the region's clean-green image and their ability to market grain and livestock because of a real or perceived threat of contamination.

Kimba farmers Andrew and Justine Major first heard of the proposal when their neighbours dropped in to let them know they had nominated their farm as a potential site.

"We were stunned as we had no idea this was coming," Mrs Major said.

"They went into the reasons why, such as they felt it was good for the community, would create jobs and was low-level waste.

"But we went on the government's website and started reading about it and we were horrified.

"The block of land our neighbours have nominated is a direct piece of land to us and what they propose constructing on the site is huge.

"They are suggesting it will be a 40-hectare facility which may include concrete production, has big bunkers, radioactive waste processing sheds and other shedding."

Not only are the Majors concerned about living close to an industrial facility but the waste which would be stored there.

"We are absolutely against it being stored anywhere near a food producing area," Mrs Major said.

"Our clean-green image is the best marketing tool we have.

"We believe there will be a stigma attached to it and are worried we will be offered less for our grain - no one can guarantee it won't hurt our marketing options or impact our business in any way."

The government put a call-out for sites to be nominated in May and a meeting was held in Kimba with Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey.

Mr Ramsey was initially going to nominate his own farm but was unable to because of a conflict of interest.

Another landowner, Tom Harris, said it was concerning there was no consultation among neighbours before they nominated their farms.

"The meeting was held at seeding time on a Monday night and by Friday, nominations had to be in," he said.

"We understand there are two farms near Kimba which have been nominated and could be shortlisted.

"We were told if a community doesn't want it then they won't have it, and it has upset our community."

The group opposing a radioactive dump on the EP wrote to former Industry Minister Ian McFarlane who was replaced by Christopher Pyne, and said they wanted to exercise the right of veto they thought they had as landowners.

But the government had advised there was no right of veto afforded to any group or individual.

"The government is committed to a voluntary site nomination process for the national facility," a spokesperson for the Department of Industry, innovation and Science said.

"Establishing the facility in an area with widespread opposition would be inconsistent with this commitment.

"However, this does not provide any individual or group with an automatic veto right."

A spokesperson said the federal government was considering all valid land nominations received and the relevant advice.

"Extensive consultation will be undertaken at every stage of the project," the spokesperson said.

"It is important to note that a site will only be selected for the national facility if it meets the strict requirements of Australia's radiation safety and environmental protection regulators."