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 Macquarie Generation and Delta Electricity have both submitted development applications for new power stations in NSW. Coal fired power is a likely option for both developments. This would increase carbon pollution emissions in NSW from stationary energy by a massive 34 per cent. That is the equivalent of four million extra cars on our roads.
To build new coal-fired power stations in the face of dire predictions about the potential impact of climate change on the environment is extremely irresponsible, if not negligent. You can act – send a submission in by Monday 26th October:
Click here for Bayswater power station
Click here for Mt Piper power station
Coal is a major cause of climate change. Earlier this year, world renowned climate scientist, James Hansen of NASA said: "coal is the single greatest threat to civilisation and all life on our planet...The trains carrying coal to power plants are death trains. Coal-fired power plants are factories of death." - The Guardian 15 Feb 2009 Strong words for a scientist. Hansen has also said that no new coal-fired power stations should be built if we are to deal with climate change. NSW currently emits 67 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from stationary energy every year. The proposed generators at Bayswater will add an extra 12.4 million tonnes of carbon pollution every year, while the new generators at Mount Piper will add another 10.9 million tonnes. This represents a 34% increase in emissions from stationary energy in NSW.  A 34% increase in emissions is simply not compatible with combating climate change. World leaders will meet in Copenhagen later this year to negotiate an agreement to reduce emissions. Scientists are warning that anything less than a 40% reduction in the next decade will lead to climate disaster.
The proposals admit that 'carbon caputure' storage does not yet exist, would be difficult and costly to retrofit, and there are currently no places to store carbon dioxide, even if it could be captured. A rapidly changing climate will have devastating effects on many of NSW's regional environments. It threatens biodiversity and many species face extinction. The proposed power stations should be opposed by all groups and citizens who care for the environment. You can to something about it The proposals are open until the 26 October for public comment. The Nature Conservation Council of NSW will lodge a submission and we are urging other groups and individuals also to lodge submissions. The applications are for new generators at Bayswater in the Hunter Valley, and Mount Piper near Lithgow. You can view the documents and lodge a submission online.
Submissions do not have to be expert or detailed. A few paragraphs outlining your concerns about climate change and why you do not want new coal-fired power station build will do. The more submissions, the more the decision-makers will understand the level of public opposition to new coal-fired power stations in NSW.
They will be assessed by the Department of Planning and the Minister for Planning under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessments Act. Both environmental assessment applications provide for an option for coal or for gas generators. For more information call Max Phillips 9279 2466 or email
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