Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I do not have a precise figure for the cost of the consultation for Kimba at this stage. I will take that on notice. Senator Xenophon might be aware that it has been part of an overall consultation process, where a number of sites have been assessed at different times. We will do what we can to split out those costs for the Kimba region. I am certainly aware of the different views in Kimba. On this issue, I have met with Working for Kimba's Future, which is a group supportive of the proposal, and also with the group No Radioactive Waste on Agricultural Land in Kimba or SA. I have met with both those groups. I understand that. However, our assessment was that given the early assessments by the department and the support from neighbouring landholders and also from the local council to proceed with this process—not necessarily the nominations themselves but the vote—it was important in my decision to accept those proposals now and further test community support.