AS NOTA previously reported, the Stratford Coal Mine has come to the end of its useful life and owners Yancoal lodged an application with the NSW Department of Planning seeking to convert the area into a renewable energy hub, requiring the construction of 660,000 solar panels and a dam in the adjacent hills.
The idea is that water will be pumped from existing voids to the upper dam using solar generated electricity, and when electricity is needed for the grid, water will be released from the top dam to flow down the tunnel to the lower dam past an electricity generating turbine.
The Planning Minister has now announced that the project has been approved by the Government.
“This is the first pumped hydro project to secure final planning approval in NSW in six years,” said Planning Minister Paul Scully.
“It’s a sign of our commitment to a clean energy future and the beginnings of an evolution of jobs and energy generation in the Hunter to power homes and businesses.”
Despite the approval, Yancoal has yet to make a decision about whether to proceed with the project.
“Yancoal will now progress with assessing the commercial viability of the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub and is also considering preferred ownership, funding and operating models for the project, which would be subject to Yancoal Board approval,” said a spokesperson for Yancoal.
Several Gloucester locals made submissions to the Department of Planning identifying issues that should be dealt with before the project proceeds.
One person who made a submission was Megan Benson.
“While it is vital that there be a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewables, there are several unresolved issues with this project, such as the clearing of over 100 hectares of bushland, the amount of traffic which will be generated, the social impacts and accommodation for all the workers during construction,” said Ms Benson.
“Yancoal has done a really poor job of communicating with the affected communities up and down the Bucketts Way.
“While there are many positives, there are also issues that need to be addressed.”
MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin welcomed the fact that the approval includes $18.2 million over the life of the project for community and infrastructure projects through an agreement with the Council.
“It’s fabulous that it provides environmental benefits, and the Voluntary Planning Agreement, when signed, will see money coming back into Council over the life of the project,” said Mayor Pontin.
“We will be talking to the community around Stratford and Gloucester on some projects that will benefit them locally.”
By John WATTS
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