¶ NUCLEAR engineer and Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke is looking forward to talking to Collie residents about nuclear energy next week.
Miss Stanke has been enlisted by advocacy Nuclear for Australia for a nationwide tour, which will include an information evening in Collie next Thursday, January 30.
She said the purpose of her visit will be to “help educate people about nuclear energy and how it operates and to help address the myths that are surrounding it”.
Miss Stanke said she welcomes the debate about nuclear power in Australia after the Federal Coalition last year proposed development of seven plants around the country, including a small modular reactor at Muja Power Station in Collie.
“I think the Australian people should at least have the option to pursue nuclear energy,” she said.
“It seems silly to not even give people the choice.”
Miss Stanke said nuclear technology is continuing to evolve and Australia would do well to at least position itself to take advantage of advancements in the coming years.
Smaller communities like Collie stand to reap the benefits of development, she added.
“Most nuclear power plants are in smaller communities in America,” she said.
“Typically, they’re huge economic stimulants because they are providing high-paying jobs for generations and millions of dollars in taxes for the local communities.”
Entrepreneur Dick Smith is supporting the tour as patron of Nuclear for Australia.
Miss Stanke said she will welcome questions from Collie residents at next week’s event, which will get underway at 6pm, with a venue to be announced closer to the date.
“I want it to be a conversation,” she said.
“I want to be able to engage with the audience and have time for questions.
“I am very much looking forward to speaking to the residents of Collie.”
The evening will also feature Women in Nuclear Australia president Jasmin Diab and Mark Schneider, chief nuclear officer for UBH Group in Australia.