We DO have earthquakes in Oz - and occassionally they are quite destructive. Perhaps the most famous being Newcastle (NSW) in the late 80's and Meckering (WA) in the 60's. On the whole - especially when compared to international events - they are quite benign.

The points in favour of a nuclear waste disposal facility here is not only the relative stability of the continent (in structural terms), but the minimal population density and sheer isolation of 95% of the continent. Assuming the stuff has to be stored SOMEWHERE, a repository such as that proposed in central Australia would just about have to be the best place in the world - especially considering the political and cultural stabilities of this place.

Irrespective of the facts, the hysteria of the debate ensures a sensible outcome is most unlikely - rest assured the most popular/vote catching outcome will win the day - irrespective of whatever merits the initial proposal may have.

BTW, a proposal by a commercial group for a facility way east of Kalgoorlie was loudly rejected a year or so ago.

stales