A residents action group is maintaining their opposition to a proposed gas-fired power plant near Marulan.
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EnergyAustralia placed a notice in the Goulburn Post on October 30 stating it was seeking to modify the existing Project Approvals for the $700 million Marulan Gas-Fired Power Station Project.
Dairy Road Community Alliance community member Ken McNally said residents had not been allowed much time to respond to the modification proposal, with a closing date of November 13.
"This requires a certain amount of urgency," he said.
"There is a feeling among us that we put all of this work into it five years ago in opposing it, and now we have to do it all again. Just nip it in the bud. People don't want it. It is contributing to global warming."
Mr McNally said the project was proposed for a pristine river area.
"It sits on the banks of the Wollondilly River at the northern end of the Wollondilly-Gibraltar Valley. This site is a pristine location featuring old gigantic casuarina trees that are the food source for endangered species such as the swift parrot and the regent honeyeater.
"Putting large pieces of polluting infrastructure beside rivers is not a good idea."
Meanwhile, fellow Dairy Road Community Alliance member and Brayton resident Antonia Stephenson said she was also concerned about the proposal.
"Our concern is not only about local pollution of the Wollondilly River, the wildlife and air pollution through the gas-fired plant's emission of carbon dioxide, but that it will contribute to the increase in global warming," she said.
"In the last few years, properties in the Brayton/Canyonleigh area have been subdivided and sold and new residential houses are being built, so the proposed power plants will affect people living in the Wingecarribee council area as well.
"We are reminded daily by news outlets that global warming has reached a crises level. We are told that there is still a chance of keeping global warming below 1.5 per cent, but only if no more fossil fuel power plants are built. And here we are, with all this evidence, having to fight an energy company wanting to build another two power plants.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson from EnergyAustralia said the public consultation period was set by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and the company was open to an extension of it.
"We are open to an extension if it's proposed by members of the community, allowing them a longer period to have a say," he said.
"In engaging the community, letters were sent in early September to around 70 households nearby where the project is planned, and the greater area.
"There's also been two adverts placed in the Goulburn Post, one by EnergyAustralia and the other DPIE.
"We have also hired a dedicated community relations lead to answer questions, including in person.
"We encourage anyone with questions or feedback to make contact, as we have called-out in our formal statement."
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The spokesperson said EnergyAustralia is developing two gas-fired projects in NSW, one at its existing Tallawarra Power Station and the proposed plants for Marulan.
"Marulan and Tallawarra B have a combined capacity of more than 1000 MW," the spokesperson said.
"These projects are capable of responding quickly to fluctuations in demand and providing secure and affordable supply for large numbers of households and businesses across the state, and nationally.
"Tallawarra B is first in line and we will consider a final investment decision and commitment next year.
"Meanwhile, we are keeping Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan Shire councils up-to-date on our progress with Marulan, and residents nearby where the project is planned."
He said the current public consultation period was an opportunity for locals to share their views and feedback.
"In addition, we encourage anyone who wishes to meet us in person to contact EnergyAustralia," he said.
"If the project progresses to its next stage, we will reinstate a Community Liaison Group made up of local representatives.
"This is similar to our approach taken at the Tallawarra Power Station and at other EnergyAustralia sites."
The project was originally granted approval in October, 2009.
To make a submission online at:
or for more information call 1300 205 695.
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David Cole
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
