Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has expressed support for the Prime Minister’s lead on the nuclear power debate, highlighting, however, the possible flow affect of nuclear power for rural and regional Australians.

“The Prime Minister is correct in his attempts to get the nuclear power debate off the ground. An issue of such significance must always be openly debated in the community,” Senator Joyce said.

“Mr Howard also mentioned the value adding aspect of this possible industry and I think he is spot on there also. Anything that can bring greater value and future economic prosperity to Australia has my support.”

“I do, however, believe there are some issue which must be addressed before we get too carried away.”

“I’m yet to see any documentary evidence to suggest nuclear power would be more cost effective than coal.”

“We must be mindful of the positive impact the coal industry has on rural and regional Australia. This industry is, and continues to be, the financial back bone of many rural communities. The economy it stimulates and employment it generates must never be destabilized.”

“I am also rather perplexed to understand how it is that the nuclear power debate can receive such concerted attention whilst the ethanol and biofuels issue is left lagging.”

“The ethanol industry can, and will have, just as significant an impact on the nation’s economic and environmental climate as the nuclear industry and, as such, deserves the same level of attention.”

“I look forward to the Prime Minister displaying the same level of leadership on ethanol in the near future,” Senator Joyce said.