Safety Concerns Amid Increased Seismic Risk and Debate Over Reactor Placement

A Cause for Concern?

Pamela Cox, a resident of Traralgon South, still remembers the 5.9-magnitude earthquake that shook Victoria in September 2021. The tremor caused cracks in her verandah and paintings to fall off the walls. This earthquake, centered about 130 kilometers east of Melbourne, was the largest onshore event of its kind in the state's modern history.

The Latrobe Valley, where Ms. Cox resides, has been identified as one of two areas in Australia with a "higher risk of strong ground shaking," according to an update to the National Seismic Hazard Assessment by Geoscience Australia. This classification change was driven by updated data and public surveys, which revealed the presence of several faults in the Gippsland region.

Despite the increased risk, Dr. Trevor Allen, a senior seismologist, emphasizes that there is no immediate cause for alarm. "We aren't getting more earthquakes or stronger earthquakes all of a sudden," he said. "It's just that we have a better understanding of the earthquakes that are likely to occur and the potential impacts that they will have."

This information is crucial for ensuring the adequacy of building codes and regulations, particularly for major infrastructure projects like water, energy, and mining facilities.

However, the prospect of a nuclear reactor being built in the Latrobe Valley has raised concerns among residents like Ms. Cox. The Loy Yang A coal-fired power station, located near her home, is one of seven sites shortlisted for a nuclear power plant.

Ms. Cox believes it would be unwise to place a reactor in an earthquake zone. However, Adam Pascale, chief scientist at the Seismology Research Centre, assures that nuclear facilities can be engineered to withstand earthquakes. He acknowledges the importance of placement but emphasizes that reactors can be built to withstand the magnitude of earthquakes expected in Australia.

Ms. Cox remains unconvinced, citing the potential for future discoveries that could reveal the inadequacy of earthquake-resistant designs. Mr. Pascale acknowledges the possibility of a major earthquake in Australia, similar to those experienced in other countries like New Zealand. However, he stresses that the impact would depend on the epicenter of the earthquake.

The debate over nuclear power in the Latrobe Valley highlights the complex considerations involved in balancing energy needs with safety concerns in an earthquake-prone region.