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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 17 August 2009 NSW PREPARES FOR CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION Government incentives to boost investment in clean energy generation featured in a new plan announced today by the Premier Nathan Rees. “NSW is ready for the clean energy industrial revolution,” said Mr Rees. “We have a clear plan to develop the industry in NSW and play our part in transforming Australia’s industrial landscape. “We are already leading the country with the establishment of clean energy precincts across the state. “Now we are going even further to accelerate the shift to a cleaner economy and create the new generation of jobs that follows. “As priority projects significant wind farms, anywhere in NSW, will see fast tracked planning decisions and fees waived. “Our package has a clear commitment to business – investment in wind farms that are at least 30 megawatts will be treated as critical infrastructure. “Previously projects needed to produce at least 250 Megawatts to be treated as critical. “NSW is prepared to do the heavy lifting and help the nation meet the 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target by 2020,” said Mr Rees. The proposal builds on the Premier’s NSW Jobs Summit announcement in February to establish Renewable Energy Precincts across NSW. The precincts are New England Tablelands, Upper Hunter, Central Tablelands, NSW / ACT border area, South Coast and Cooma / Monaro. Key components of today’s additional measures include: - FOUR MONTH TURN AROUND - Clean energy projects anywhere in the state qualifying as critical infrastructure will have planning process managed by the department’s ‘go-to’ people within 4 months; - FINANCIAL INCENTIVES - Critical Infrastructure fees will be waived (projects of 30 Megawatts or more) from August 2009 to 30 June, 2011; and - BETTER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - New dedicated environment staff for each precinct to drive our clean energy agenda and work with the community. In addition the Government is consulting with the sector to explore ways to further improve the process for future projects. “Our success will also be influenced by our partnership with the public. “Precinct Advisory Committees in each of the six precincts will be established to provide us directly with advice. “The Department of Environment and Climate Change will be responsible for the committees and they will include community members and representatives from Local Government. “I am committed to doing what it takes to see more projects get off the drawing board and onto the grid,” said Mr Rees.
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