National Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF) media management

The National Radioactive Waste Management Facility Taskforce manages the process of creating a single, safe, purpose-built facility to manage Australia’s radioactive waste. Beginning 4 years ago, the task of finding a suitable site has relied on extensive stakeholder engagement from the beginning. This includes the use of volunteered land and a requirement for broad community support to host a facility.

The technical and safety aspects of the project are straightforward and manageable. The facility will responsibly manage Australia’s waste in an environmentally sustainable way. While there is considerable support for the project in both communities, it receives its share of criticism from some locals and organised activist groups.
The facility will dispose of Australia’s low level waste (mainly created from nuclear medicine and research) and temporarily store Australia’s intermediate level waste (created from spent fuel rods at Lucas Heights) until a separate disposal solution is created. Australia does not have nuclear power plants or nuclear weapons, and does not produce high level radioactive waste.
Australia’s waste is currently located in over 100 locations around the country, mainly in hospitals and universities. These locations are licensed for temporary storage only.
Respondents to this tender should be aware that the project is expected to continue for several years. Following site selection, a period of 2 to 3 years of regulatory approvals (environmental and safety) will be required before construction commences.
Accordingly, the department invites suitably qualified consultants/contractors to submit a tender for media management services for the project.