Herons Creek power station unnecessary, bad for environment

Dr Kaye said: “Local residents are right to be concerned about the environmental impacts of the proposed plant.

“Diesel power stations are a poor way to generate electricity.

“The plant will produce 23,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year at a time when a rapid reduction in emissions to combat dangerous climate change is essential.

“These stations cause significant local air pollution, including emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, sulphur dioxide and microfine particles (PM10), which have been called the new asbestos.

“The power station developer has given vague assurances about water use and storage. Glib statements that these will be used onsite ‘as much as practicable’ are not good enough for a major development application.

“Local residents will face regular noise pollution and exhaust stacks 20m high will become a major eyesore.

“The Greens do not believe this peaking plant is even necessary.

“A better solution would be a significant program of energy efficiency measures. If absolutely necessary, the local line capacity could also be upgraded.

“A new diesel-fuelled peaking plant is the wrong option for the region,” Dr Kaye said.


For more information:    John Kaye 0407 195 455