The $12.5 million funding announcement from the Federal Government to research specific nuclear power related areas came just before reports that the government was considering a nuclear power deal with the United States.
The research program will use existing links between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Australian universities to study Generation IV reactors.
According to ANSTO, the Generation IV reactors have a timeframe of about 15 to 20 years and while Australia has no immediate plans to adopt nuclear power, the program will provide options for the future.
They added that nuclear power is being used around the world, which is being provided by hundreds of power stations. If Australia does consider using nuclear power in the future, the knowledge gained from this new program will help provide cleaner and safer programs.
ANSTO will start by researching the things that Australia does well by assessing the current skill and knowledge base within Australian academic circles and how those skills can best be applied.
They believe that there is a lot of expertise in the study of materials and modelling how those materials will behave in extreme conditions. ANSTO will use their contacts with universities through the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Energy to allow various institutions to out their hand up and tell them how they can take part.
The research program and the proposed new deal with the US for the next generation nuclear reactors also provides an indication that nuclear energy will be a significant part of the federal election campaign.
The funding announcement coincided with revelations that the Government has been talking with the US about joining a small group of countries that would control the world’s supply of nuclear fuel.
If an agreement is reached, it could fast track moves towards a nuclear power industry in Australia and reports suggest that government ministers have advised Mr Howard that the APEC summit in Sydney in September would be the perfect event to announce the new deal. ANSTO kangaroos moving to better grounds
The kangaroo community that calls the ANSTO site at Lucas Heights home have outgrown their enclosure and are about to be moved to larger premises with better grass cover.
One by one they will be tranquilised and transferred across the road where newer and plusher grounds await them. Staff on site at ANSTO have been alerted about the move, and a group of five will head over there in the next few weeks.
Two kangaroos have already been moved in the step-by-step process that is designed to minimise their stress levels. All the kangaroos are expected to be moved within the next few months.
The kangaroos cannot be released to roam free as their particular species isn’t local, so they have to remain in the care of staff at ANSTO. The new enclosure is approximately five times the size of the current one, making it a much improved area for them to move into. Shelly Park Pavilion renovation is about to be completed
Have you been wondering why the Shelly Park Pavilion renovation seems to be taking so long? According to the Sutherland Shire Council, it’s because of salt damage that was discovered early in the renovation process.
Upon discovering the damage, samples of render and brickwork of the pavilion were tested, which showed a special treatment was required. All the render over the brickwork had to be removed so the bricks could be covered with a paper-based material designed to draw the salt out.
After that, the building had to be re-rendered with a protective membrane applied over the top. The turn in the bad weather also slowed down the process, however the company involved said that they estimate the pavilion renovations to be finished in about four weeks.
The damage has meant an increase in work required to repair the building, increasing costs to around $150,000. However, with new plumbing, tiling, shower and toilet facilities installed they still expect the works to remain under $200,000.
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