00:01A coal-fired power station in Port Augusta reduced to rubble.
00:07Eight years later, this could, under a coalition plan, become a new site of energy generation,
00:13but this time, nuclear.
00:16It's an issue that's dividing the outback town.
00:19I'd like to think that the Port Augusta public will be able to look beyond the superficial jobs aspect
00:24and ask themselves, is this what the electricity system really needs?
00:28Is this what the long-term health of the planet really needs?
00:32Three generations of Gary Rowbottom's family worked at the town's power station.
00:37When it closed, he joined a push to transition the region to renewables.
00:41He says nuclear is a step in the wrong direction and too slow and costly to implement.
00:47Jobs is probably almost the only pro.
00:50But for some, the prospect of more jobs is worth pursuing.
00:55Tony Mitchell has ridden the town's economic highs and lows as a long-time small business owner.
01:00He says nuclear would bring a much needed boost.
01:04Trying to keep some of the kids in the region and some of the people that are doing professional development
01:09and those sort of higher studies.
01:11But for June Lennon, nuclear brings back bad memories.
01:16I truly would not want to have nuclear on our doorstep.
01:21It wasn't worth it back in 1953 and it's definitely not worth it today.
01:28June was a child when nuclear bombs were tested in the South Australian outback.
01:33Her family has felt the effects ever since, including seizures, rashes and lasting mental health issues.
01:41I've experienced with our family the loss of our family members.
01:48A loss that leaves no room for support of nuclear energy.
01:52The council says there's a sense of announcement fatigue among the community here in Port Augusta.
01:57Since the old coal-fired power station closed, there have been multiple project proposals put forward.
02:03But only a few wind and solar projects have come to fruition.
02:07If elected, the coalition says it could have the reactor operational by 2035.
02:13But in a cost-of-living crisis, it will take a back seat for many heading to the ballot box.
02:20I think there's way more pressing issues in the short term than nuclear power station in Port Augusta.
02:26An energy policy that could shape the future of Port Augusta.
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