The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is calling for community feedback on a proposal for a new gas-fired power station at Tomago, 23km northwest of Newcastle.
Executive Director, Energy and Resource Assessments, Mike Young, said community input is a vital part of the planning process and encouraged everyone to have their say on the Environmental Impact Statement for the power station.
“AGL is proposing to build and operate a new gas-fired power station,” Mr Young said.
“The $400 million power station would have a maximum capacity of 250 megawatts. It is proposed to be a ‘peaking’ power station that is designed to turn on quickly to reduce the chance of power supply shortages and put downward pressure on electricity prices.
“If approved, the project would generate about 300 direct jobs at the peak of construction and 23 ongoing jobs during operation.”
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment is exhibiting AGL’s Environmental Impact Statement for the power station from Wednesday 20 November to Wednesday 18 December 2019 on its website as well as at Port Stephens Council, Newcastle City Council and Maitland City Council.
The department encourages all those who are interested to lodge a submission about the application.
“We want to hear the community’s views, to help us make a thorough and rigorous assessment and ensure any potential concerns are considered,” Mr Young said.
“Once the exhibition closes on 18 December, AGL will need to respond to all matters raised in submissions before the Department assesses the proposal.
The Planning and Public Spaces Minister will make the final decision on the proposal given its Critical State Significant Infrastructure status.
“All the feedback will help us assess the development application so we can work towards the best outcome for the community,” Mr Young said.
More information is available on the Planning Portal website.
