| |
|
|
Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 18 March 2009 GOVERNMENT SECURES POWER SUPPLY TO CENTRAL WEST The NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced the approval of a new low-emission $700 million gas-fired peaking power station near Wellington, securing power supply in the State’s Central West.
Generating 640 megawatts of peaking power the project will create more than 300 jobs during construction and will employ 10 people during the station’s operation.
Ms Keneally said the need for extra generating capacity was clear and securing the State’s energy supply with a modern, efficient gas-fired power station was great news for the Central West.
“The new gas-fired peaking power station at Wellington will produce less than half the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy than the current Australian energy sector average,” Ms Keneally said.
“The Owen Inquiry into Electricity Supply in NSW and the 2008 Statement of Opportunities, published by the National Electricity Market Management Company, highlighted additional generating capacity is a real and necessary requirement to ensure a secure future energy system for the State.
“This critical piece of State infrastructure will not only secure energy supplies during peak times but also highlights the Government’s commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure to underpin growth in regional jobs and investment.”
During the community consultation period concerns were raised about air quality, noise and biodiversity issues, as well as broader concerns over the impacts of the project on local amenity, all of which have been comprehensively addressed in the final approval of the project.
Two nearby properties, Nanima House and Keston Rose Garden Café, have specific provisions relating to noise mitigation and management.
ERM Power’s NSW Director Andy Pittlik said NSW Department of Planning had rightly imposed strict noise and air quality restrictions on the construction, which ERM embraced and would strictly monitor.
“Having the support of our new neighbours is just as important to us as having the support of the government. We are not just investing in our power station, we are investing in the future of the local community,” Mr Pittlik said.
“We want our neighbours to be involved and informed throughout the process, and to play a role in how this development is completed in a way that has the full support and understanding of the community.
“We look forward to issuing a call for nominations in coming months for residents to be part of the community liaison group.”
ERM will also be required to develop a compensatory habitat package in consultation with the Department of Environment and Climate Change to enhance existing regional conservation areas.
The Wellington power station will be connected to the electricity grid at the adjacent TransGrid Wellington substation and will contribute energy to the National Electricity Market during periods of peak demand.
A 100-kilometre gas pipeline will also be constructed as part of the project and will connect the power station to the existing Central West Gas Pipeline near Alectown. The route for the gas pipeline has been carefully selected to avoid sensitive ecological areas and significant Aboriginal heritage sites.
|