Mark Schneider: WA can help AUKUS by managing low-level radioactive waste
As Australia navigates renewed uncertainty surrounding the AUKUS agreement following news of a formal Pentagon review, there's never been a more critical time to demonstrate our capability and readiness as a trusted partner.
While much of the focus has been on the strategic implications of nuclear-powered submarines, one overlooked area where Australia can show clear leadership is in the management of radioactive waste.
Historically, nations have struggled to manage radioactive waste from the various nuclear programs they support whether from nuclear research, power, medicine, submarines, or other applications. Australia has been no different. But unlike many countries that built complex, costly interim waste storage infrastructure, Australia has an opportunity to leapfrog traditional models and adopt a more efficient, sovereign solution in support of the AUKUS submarine program.
With the commencement of Submarine Rotation Force West (SRF-West), conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) from the United States and United Kingdom will begin undergoing maintenance in Western Australia at facilities in Henderson and HMAS Stirling.
Based on my 23 years of nuclear power operations, I can confirm that every maintenance period generates low-level radioactive waste. This typically includes gloves, cloth wipes, gasket materials, paper, and the plastic bags used for containment. The radiation from these items is so minimal it often won't even penetrate the yellow plastic bags they're stored in.
Traditionally, both the US and UK store this waste in large warehouses that require highly trained staff and complex ventilation systems while accumulating enough material to justify transport to a long-term disposal site. But what if we could remove that middle step entirely?
Western Australia is already home to Sandy Ridge, a geologically stable facility with First Nations approval that accepts low-level radioactive waste from across Australia, including from mining, state governments, and medical institutions. Most of this waste is the same type — gloves, wipes, and contaminated packaging and it is already processed and stored by experienced Australian professionals.
My proposal is simple: rather than investing in temporary storage infrastructure at Henderson or HMAS Stirling, the Australian Submarine Agency should coordinate directly with the operators of Sandy Ridge to transport low-level radioactive waste from SRF-West maintenance events straight to permanent disposal. The company that owns and operates Sandy Ridge already has the logistics and technical expertise to handle this and can provide the necessary transport vehicles.
The benefits are significant. Australia avoids the cost and complexity of building and maintaining new interim facilities. It demonstrates an efficient, forward-thinking approach to nuclear waste management. And most importantly, it underscores our ability to meet AUKUS-related obligations with sovereign, best-practice solutions.
As the US reviews the AUKUS pact and evaluates the role of its allies in defence burden-sharing, Australia must move decisively to show we are not just recipients of capability, but contributors to it. Managing our nuclear waste efficiently, transparently, and safely is one of the most tangible ways to do that.
Mark Schneider is the Chief Nuclear Officer for UBH Group Ltd
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