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A nuclear energy inquiry has sparked an emotional debate about the economic future of Muswellbrook, the coal capital of New South Wales, but a spate of earthquakes in the region went unmentioned.
The House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy is touring the country to investigate the viability of the federal Coalition's nuclear energy proposal.
On Tuesday, it sat in Muswellbrook but there were no questions raised about the suitability of the area for nuclear power stations due to its high seismic activity.
Coal mine closures are slated for the region and most of the discussion was about whether renewable projects or other energy sources such as nuclear could employ the thousands of coal workers likely to be impacted.
Steve Reynolds believes in an energy mix that could include nuclear power. (ABC Upper Hunter: Romy Stephens)
Former Muswellbrook mayor Steve Reynolds told the hearing he felt the majority of Muswellbrook locals were "quiet supporters" of nuclear.
But he said that bringing in a "a balanced energy mix right across the system" – including nuclear energy – would be an effective way to protect the town's economy.
"[That will provide] steady full-time jobs and is also protecting our farmland," Mr Reynolds said.
Mining and Energy Union northern district secretary Robin Williams told the hearing he thought the Coalition's plan was "unrealistic" and would not "come to fruition".
"None of our energy companies are interested in building nuclear power stations," he said.
"The Coalition has engaged with energy culture wars … and I believe that is what they are continuing to do now."
No mention of 'earthquake swarm'
Since early August the Muswellbrook area has experienced several earthquakes, including four above magnitude 4.
The Coalition's proposed nuclear power plan includes a reactor at the site of the former Liddell coal-fired power station, which is only a few kilometres away from the epicentre of the spate of quakes.
A natural disaster declaration was issued to Muswellbrook Shire Council in early December, weeks after the "earthquake swarm" hit the town.
But the Muswellbrook earthquakes were not mentioned at the hearing today.
Former Bayswater coal-fired power station engineer Trevor Woolley, an opponent of the nuclear proposal, was one of the first to speak at the hearing.
He said the debate around the region's energy future had deepened a social divide in the community.
"[There is] so much fear, anger, false facts, driven by a very poor planning system," Mr Woolley said.
Rosemary Hadaway told the inquiry that nuclear waste could have a devastating impact on future generations. (ABC Upper Hunter: Romy Stephens)
Potential impact 'reprehensible'
Mudgee District Environment Group representative Rosemary Hadaway spoke about the environmental impact of waste if nuclear energy was pursued in Australia and said it would have a "reprehensible" impact on future generations.
"What are we doing to our planet by creating this huge level of toxic pollution for many thousands of generations?" she asked.
"We have no right to do that."
Two of the town's Indigenous leaders questioned the long-term economic viability of the Hunter and what would replace coal jobs.
Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation chief executive and mine rehabilitation worker Laurie Perry told the hearing nuclear did not make sense for communities on Wonnarua Country.
He has called for more consultation on the proposal and shared his view that Indigenous people are often only briefly consulted for energy projects in their initial stages.
"The only time we are engaged is when they want a mining lease, then we do the cultural and heritage work," he said.
Blackrock Industries founder Steve Fordham told the inquiry the government had failed to help secure jobs. (ABC Upper Hunter: Romy Stephens)
'Government has not had the balls'
But the founder of miner Blackrock Industries, Steve Fordham, slammed the Albanese and former Coalition governments for not planning for the future sooner.
The National Party member supports the nuclear idea as part of a mix of energy projects to sustain local jobs.
"It’s war on our jobs — day in day out it’s getting tougher and tougher and tougher," he said.
"The government has not had the balls to do anything.
"We need investment, we need an opportunity."
The inquiry will sit in WA after the hearings in NSW finish. (Unsplash: Nicolas HIPPERT/CC licence)
Peter Dutton is expected to release costings of the Coalition's nuclear energy plan this week.
He was spotted in the Muswellbrook community today but did not attend the inquiry.
On Monday a CSIRO report concluded nuclear power would likely cost twice as much as renewable energy.
The inquiry has recently visited regional South Australia and Victoria and two more hearings will take place in NSW before it moves to Western Australia.