BY DAKOTA TAIT
Protestors have gathered in Newcastle this morning, rallying against the possibility of a nuclear submarine base in the city.
The city is one of three locations shortlisted as a home for the country's future fleet.
Hunter Workers were joined by local, state, and national union officials, as well as representatives from Port Kembla and other groups, at the Newcastle foreshore.
Secretary Leigh Shears says the Hunter's made a clear choice.
"The community doesn't want nuclear reactors parked in their backyard," Mr Shears said.
"1982, a declaration from Newcastle City Council, we're a nuclear free zone, a nuclear free city, a nuclear free port."
"That was back then, and it's been steadfastly supported by the community ever since."
It's understood, the Department of Defence preferences several other options ahead of Newcastle.
But the base has been touted as an opportunity for the Hunter to diversify as the region transitions away from fossil fuel industries.
But Mr Shears has shot down the suggestion,
"If the Liberals are concerned about jobs, there's plenty they could do," Mr Shears said.
"Foreign flag ships, merchant ships could travel around carrying cargo around our coast. They could get behind the ALP's policies of redeveloping the shipping industry, building merchant ships with Australian crews."
"If they were concerned about jobs, they would have backed the Same Jobs, Same Pay calls from casual workers that have worked alongside permanent workers earning less amounts."
"If they were concerned about jobs, they were backing our aged care workers, who are primarily in insecure work."
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| Image credit: Hunter Workers |
