On the 29th of October, 2023, NuclearFree WA held a “Peace walk” from BAE Systems Henderson to HMAS Stirling in Point Perron in opposition to the AUKUS Pathway initiative. The AUKUS Pathway Initiative will see Garden Island receive increased visitation from US nuclear submarines and UK Submarines as of 2026 (“Western Australia Home for Australia’s First Nuclear-Powered Submarines” ,2023).
NFWA are concerned about this initiative's economic, environmental and social implications, stating that “we are yet to see any formal proposal or environmental impacts statement”. Further raising concerns about the risk to native marine life and the possibility of a “naval nuclear reactor incident” (“2023 Peace Walk – Nuclear Free WA,” n.d.).
In an interview with Co-convener Mia Pepper, she raised her concerns about the “Loss of autonomy” Australia may face with pressure from the nuclear military presence as well as the potential for America to use Australia as a front line for a direct attack on China. Further stating, “China doesn’t want a war with us- but they would when they look at US submarines there(Garden Island)”.
While no direct information was disclosed on the environmental impacts, the WA government has said that the program will vastly impact WA’s industry and economy. “The investment in the state to support this historic program will benefit local industry and create thousands of jobs, with flow-on effects for the wider WA economy.” (“Western Australia Home for Australia’s First Nuclear-Powered Submarines”, 2023).
NFWA currently maintains a staunch opposition to the AUKUS Pathway Initiative and is holding a sundowner event on the 1st of December to further protest against the initiative.
