More than 100 residents turned out at a  community meeting last Tuesday to voice their anger about Sallys Flat being shortlisted as one of six sites to potentially host the new permanent waste dump.

Mr Cobb also came under fire at that meeting for saying he was not concerned about the prospect of a nuclear waste dump being established at Sallys Flat and claiming the waste that would be dumped in the region was so benign “you could sleep on it”.

But in a written statement issued on Friday, Mr Cobb blamed the local media for “sensationalising” the issue and failing to tell the people of Sallys Flat there would be no nuclear waste dump in their backyard without their support.

“Federal Member for Calare, the Hon John Cobb says if the local community are generally opposed to a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility at Sallys Flat it will not go ahead,” the statement read.

“Mr Cobb said due to the fact local media are ignoring and not publishing this vital point the only information local residents have been exposed too [sic] is sensational coverage.”

The statement went on to quote Mr Cobb as saying: “I have stressed this fact at all media interviews and when talking to residents, however, this vitally important point has been ignored.

“Once again I encourage the community to openly express their views and ask questions.

“As I am well aware perceptions can be reality for many people. My view is based on what I learnt many years ago, but I don’t live there which is why I have repeatedly made the point that the local community will have the final say.”

When asked by the Western Advocate what would happen if communities in all six of the shortlisted sites rejected plans for a nuclear waste dump, Mr Cobb suggested the federal government would be forced back to the drawing board.

All six sites on the shortlist were among 28 sites across Australia nominated by landholders to potentially host the nuclear waste dump.

A 120-day consultation period has now commenced and representatives from the Department of Resources are due to meet with neighbouring landholders in Sallys Flat this week.

Mr Cobb said residents could register their interest in the issue by contacting his office on 6331 0524 or visiting www.radioactivewaste.gov. au/proposed-sites#3.