Some environmental studies and site works were completed, and two rounds of tenders were called and evaluated, but the Australian Government ultimately decided not to proceed with the project, owing both to the perceived cost, and to the discovery of new mineral and hydrocarbon resources.

The plan, supported by the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, was for a reactor design that could generate weapons-grade plutonium, possibly reflecting Australia's long-term post-World War II interest in acquiring nuclear weapons.

As a result, a recommendation was written for the acceptance of a tender to supply a 600 MWe Steam generating heavy water reactor (SGHWR), from the British organisation, The Nuclear Power Group.

[5][6][7] Following the discovery of natural gas and oil in Bass Strait, and the development of economic coal resources, most of the energy security incentive had evaporated.

Organisations like the World Union for Protection of Life, the Ecology Action and the Society for Responsibility in Science had reported about the dangers connected with the nuclear power plant.