Dump shortlist met with caution

Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia Josh Frydenberg announced that Pinkawillinie and Cortlinye near Kimba and Barndioota, 20 kilometres out of Hawker, are all shortlisted.

Interstate sites also shortlisted are Sally's Flat in NSW, Hale in the NT and Oman Ama in Qld.

Earlier this year landholders in all states and territories were invited to voluntarily nominate land for this facility.

The government received 28 nominations from landholders across Australia.

Australia has the equivalent of about two Olympic-sized swimming pools of such waste, which may include laboratory items such as paper, plastic and glassware, and material used in medical treatments.

More than 100 sites across the country, including hospitals and universities, are licensed to store this waste on an interim basis.

District Council of Kimba mayor Dean Johnson said more information was needed before the elected members took an official stance.

"We see this as the beginning of the process," he said.

"We're really trying to get some facts on the process."

This includes flying to Sydney, NSW, to visit a similar facility, and see how the waste is stored.

"There is also a consultation period beginning next week," Mr Johnson said.

"We will be holding community engagement sessions, to consult with the community."

Mr Johnson said with the consultation period covering 120 days, there was plenty of time for people to have their say.

"The consultation period was initially only going to be 60 days, but we negotiated to have it extended until March," he said.

"It's far better, especially since we're in the middle of harvest.

"It will give us time to get across all the issues and consult with the community.

"Council's number one priority is the community, and their well-being."

Port Augusta City Council mayor Sam Johnson said the region's elected members would also be undertaking their own community consultation.

"It's not just the town of Port Augusta that would be affected, it's the whole region, especially the outer lying areas," he said.

"While it might be fine for a landholder to say they're happy to have it on their property, what about the neighbouring properties?"

Mr Johnson said he had received mixed feedback from the community so far.

"There are some out there that want to learn more about it, while others are dead against it," he said.

"There are a lot of unknowns, such as whether the site would remain low-level and whether we are going to take other countries waste.

"There's talk that it would provide an economic stimulus, but we need to see evidence of that."

Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he was pleased with the announcement of the three potential sites in his electorate.

"This process has taken longer than I would have liked owing to other pressing national issues and then a change of minister," he said.

"As a result the lack of information has created some anxiety in the community, however I am pleased now we can proceed with the process."

It is anticipated the nominated communities will all receive the first visit from the consultative group from the Department of Industry Innovation and Science within the next two weeks to begin disseminating information.

Initially discussion will be with community leaders, landholders and neighbours, with further rounds consulting more widely.

"Many would know I tried to nominate my own farm for this facility and was barred from the process, but as a result of a public information session I called in the Kimba community other properties were nominated," Mr Ramsey said.

"I have held a further information session since that time, but have been very keen for the experts to arrive so they can answer the technical questions."