Recent research commissioned by ANSTO shows that 88 per cent of Australians believe Australia needs nuclear science and technology capabilities with 63 per cent of local residents saying they felt safe living near the facility.
The survey of 703 residents from the Sutherland Shire, Bankstown and southern Adelaide suburbs was conducted to assess community knowledge and attitudes about ANSTO and its work.
The results were both enlightening and encouraging according to ANSTO’s Acting Executive Director, Dr Ron Cameron.
"We were pleased to discover that most Australians support nuclear science and technology and that the majority of our local community feel safe living near ANSTO," Dr Cameron said.
However, although support for nuclear science was strong, results showed that 62 per cent admitted not knowing much about what ANSTO actually does.
"The research has brought to our attention the importance of increasing our communication with the community," Dr Cameron continued. "We obviously need to provide more information about ANSTO’s work, which ranges from conducting important environmental climate change, nanotechnology and materials research to the production of life-saving medical isotopes."
When prompted, the research found that 76 per cent of respondents recognised ANSTO was involved in medical research and technology and scientific research, with 50 per cent being aware of its environmental research.
Some community members were also mistaken about ANSTO’s operations, with 59 per cent believing it conducts research into nuclear power and 17 per cent believing it conducts research into weapons manufacturing.
Dr Cameron said the research findings gave ANSTO an opportunity to put the record straight about community misconceptions regarding its operations.
"It’s been sobering discovering what percentage of the community has a mistaken view of ANSTO," he said.
signed the non-proliferation treaty, research into or the manufacturing of nuclear weapons is out of the question.
out tests to ascertain whether rogue nations are proliferating weapons, so the necessary steps can be taken by the international community."
The sample was drawn randomly, and included a nationally representative sample of males and females, aged 18-64, of different marital status and different family circumstances.
Sharon