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AAP
AAP
Politics
Laine Clark

Premier floats water supply risk from nuclear push

Premier Steven Miles says a nuclear energy plan could jeopardise Brisbane's drinking water supply. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

People might be forced to choose between accessing drinking water or a shower under Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan, the Queensland premier says.

Steven Miles backed Queensland not to support the federal opposition leader's policy, warning it might put water supply at risk during a drought.

Mr Dutton has pledged to build seven nuclear plants across five states on the sites of coal-fired power stations if elected.

Two of the proposed sites are located in the Sunshine State - at Callide in central Queensland and Tarong, northwest of Brisbane.

"We have a comprehensive plan to deliver secure access to clean water for Queensland, households, farmers and businesses - all of that is at risk under the LNP's nuclear plans," Mr Miles told a Queensland estimates hearing on Tuesday.

The premier tabled a department report at the hearing which warned nuclear-powered facilities used up to 83 per cent more water than coal-fired stations, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles
Queensland won't support Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan, Premier Steven Miles says. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

Mr Miles said nuclear plants could deplete water reserves during a drought under the LNP's plan.

He said a nuclear reactor would draw about 15 per cent of the remaining water a year out of Wivenhoe Dam, the main water supply for Brisbane.

"Brisbane drinking water supply will be placed at risk by nuclear power during a drought," Mr Miles said.

"The people of Brisbane would be forced to make the choice of having access to drinking water and a shower, or whether to have the water that comes back out of nuclear reactors.

"I don't think Brisbane residents want to be drinking water recycled from a nuclear power plant."

Mr Miles' report warned a legislative overhaul and substantial regulatory reform would be required to establish the nuclear plan, describing it as a "significant challenge" that would take time.

In Queensland, nuclear energy is banned under the Nuclear Facilities Prohibition Act 2007.

It forbids the construction and operation of particular nuclear reactors and other facilities in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Queensland LNP and opposition leader David Crisafulli has repeatedly said nuclear energy is not part of his party's plans ahead of the October state election despite the federal leader's stance.

The Queensland Conservation Council said the report indicated water used to irrigate crops would be threatened.

"Nuclear power's insatiable thirst for water could turn our water problem from bad to disastrous," the council's Dave Copeman said.

"This is not a viable solution for our energy needs."

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