This was the third meeting the community has held to discuss Sallys Flat being short-listed for a national nuclear waste dump, and the first the federal member has been able to attend.

Community spokesperson Robyn Rayner said around 100 people attended the meeting, many of them new faces. 

Mr Cobb had earlier drawn the community’s anger when he dismissed their concerns about the safety of the proposed facility. 

Ms Rayner said Mr Cobb apologised to the meeting for the way the matter had been handled, and for not being in contact with the community prior to Wednesday’s meeting. 

“We appreciate the fact that he did turn up, but he treated us with utter contempt,” she said.

“At no time did he say ‘What can I do to help you’,” she said.

Ms Rayner said the community has had the opportunity to pose questions about the proposed facility to the government representatives who visited Hill End recently. 

“We did not expect Mr Cobb to answer our questions. That’s not we wanted from him. We just wanted him to ask what he could do to help,” she said.

Yesterday Mr Cobb said he would help by conveying to the minister the fact that the community don’t want the waste dump.

However, despite assurances Sallys Flat won’t be further shortlisted if the community opposes the nuclear waste dump, Mr Cobb said the matter cannot end here and now. 

“They do want to finish this now, but the minister has set that consultation period because those who do want to consult privately with the minister should have that right,” Mr Cobb said.

He said it was a good meeting.

“But I think people had made their minds up they didn’t want it,” he said.

“There are some communities in Australia who will think – here’s an opportunity. You are not often offered the chance to get $10 million.

“But it’s their choice. I don’t live there,” he said.

Mr Cobb said he would be visiting the Lucas Heights reactor shortly to take a look.

“It’s 14 years since I’ve been there. I’m sure there is no danger but I want to go back and reassure myself,” he said.

Ms Rayner said there were concerns Mr Cobb was not taking the matter seriously enough.