Redbank rejection - right decision

Tuesday, 14 October 2003 10:00

"Only last week TEC released a 5 point energy plan which found 6,000 MW of power from gas, renewable sources and energy efficiency - with far less impact on climate change. Redbank would have produced only 150MW and was more greenhouse gas intensive than any other power plant in the state," said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.

"NSW has reached a critical turning point in its energy planning. If we build more coal fired plants, then it will be all the harder for the next generation to act against human induced climate change. Alternative sources are practical and available and the Carr Government, which prides itself on its greenhouse policies, needs to bring green energy and energy efficiency from the margin into the mainstream. Thousands of jobs will also be created."

"The decision announced today by Planning and Infrastructure Minister, Craig Knowles, shows a maturity of assessment and policy making. Redbank had some powerful backers but analysis of its claims to be environmentally responsible and necessary were shown to be unsubstantiated."

"No doubt there will be further attempts to foist coal fired power on NSW, such as the proposed 1,000MW Project Waratah to be based at Ulan. However, the time for coal has passed and the community is demanding environmentally sustainable electricity," Mr Angel said.