Council seeks to halt issuing of SEARS for Jerrara Power
Published on 16 July 2021
Goulburn Mulwaree Council has sent a strong message of opposition to the Jerrara Power project, re-iterating its total opposition to Waste to Energy proposals until the NSW Government develops a policy establishing that such facilities are in the best interest of communities, the environment, human, animal and biodiversity health.
On Thursday night Council considered a report regarding a submission to the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for Jerrara Power. The General Manager was authorised to seek further legal advice with the intent of lodging proceedings in the Land and Environment Court in order to stop the issuing of SEARS.
Mayor Bob Kirk stated clearly that Council believed they could stop this proposal prior to issuing of SEARS.
“We believe that the Jerrara Power project is contrary to the provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) and the Goulburn Mulwaree Local Environmental Plan, and therefore SEARS should not be issued. Council are prepared to go to the Land and Environment Court if necessary to fight for our community and prove this.
“This is a pristine rural environment close to Bungonia National Park, and on a school bus route. We cannot see the logic in placing a large industrial plant generating toxic emissions in beautiful regional area like this.
“Council still endorsed a lengthy submission to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment outlining our concerns in regard to human, animal and environmental health along with transport, flooding and biodiversity concerns. This submission was lodged without prejudice, and our number one priority will be halting the issuing of SEARS.”
Council will also write directly to Jerrara Power advising total opposition to the proposal and seeking withdrawal. Furthermore a copy of the resolution and attached submission will be sent to Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor and NSW Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman.
Other reasons included by Council in their submission and letter to Jerrara Power included the proximity of the site to Bungonia National Park. Environmental emissions including the presence of dioxins in these which will settle in soil, and the significant impacts associated with the installation of a transmission line to the substation in Goulburn.
The full resolution is available to view in the minutes of last night’s meeting at www.goulburn.nsw.gov.au/council/agendas-and-minutes