Community findings summary:
- 703 members from the Sutherland Shire (57%), Bankstown City (21%) and mid-south Adelaide suburbs (21%) were interviewed.
- 88% of the community surveyed believed that it was important for Australia to have a nuclear S&T facility.
- When prompted, 76% of the community recognised ANSTO was involved in medical research and technology, 76% said scientific research, 68% said operate nuclear research reactors, 50% said environmental research.
- There were mistaken beliefs amongst the community that included: 59% thought ANSTO did research into nuclear power, 17% said ANSTO undertook nuclear weapons manufacturing/research.
- 62% of the local community had little or no knowledge of ANSTO’s work.
- For those who have heard of ANSTO, 46% said what they’ve heard was more negative than positive, while 21% said what they’ve heard is more positive.
- 39% of respondents said they want to know more about what ANSTO does.
- 63% of Sutherland and Bankstown respondents felt very or quite safe having ANSTO located nearby.
- 77% of the local community felt ANSTO was helping Australia keep abreast of world nuclear research and 71% felt it was doing cutting edge scientific research for the benefit of all Australians.
- 52% did not believe ANSTO’s involvement in the nuclear fuel cycle put the community at risk, while 15% weren’t sure.
- 65% agreed ANSTO was a leader in medical research in Australia.
- 65% also believed ANSTO was a leader in Australian medical research and 88% thought it would play an important role in future scientific breakthroughs.
- 94% agreed that schools should educate students about nuclear science.
- Investing resources into medical research was seen as the organisation’s most important activity, with only 3.6% of respondents believing there was room for improvement in ANSTO’s performance in this area.
- There was a strong belief that the organisation is successfully undertaking work that enhances the lives of all Australians and that it has systems and procedures in place that guarantee safety in the event of an emergency.
- There was also a strong belief that ANSTO is consistent and honest in what it says.