Today, local Federal Member for Hughes, The Hon Danna Vale MP, opened ANSTO1s new $10.6 million security entrance to Australia’s only nuclear reactor, based in southern Sydney.
ANSTO Executive Director Dr Ian Smith said the new state-of-the-art entrance utilised the latest in security technology and is now one of the most sophisticated entrances for research reactors in the world.
“This new entrance is world class for a nuclear research facility and has been designed to be secure, efficient and aesthetically pleasing” said Dr Smith.
“The facility is the result of consultation between ANSTO’s expert staff and a number of other agencies, with ASIO playing an important role in assessing and designing the security systems,” Dr Smith explained.
“The nuclear regulator ASNO was also a key to ensuring that what was built would meet standards set to protect nuclear material.
“The advice of these agencies was crucial in providing a design that allowed us to address a wide range of security requirements, which in turn comply with our stringent national and international security obligations.
“We are also pleased to advise that although we encountered a few delays while digging the foundations for the new buildings and site, the project came in on budget and therefore reflects our commitment to make the best use of government funding.”
As well as the upgraded entrance to protect ANSTO, the site continues to be guarded 24/7 by the Australian Federal Police. The AFP and ANSTO work closely together to maintain the high level of security that exists at the site.
These security measures in place comply with stringent international and Commonwealth standards for the physical protection of material and nuclear facilities.
ANSTO’s reactor is used to produce radiopharmaceuticals, radioisotopes and neutron beams for scientific research, and to irradiate silicon. The reactor is not used for electricity production.