THE proposed $110m diesel-fuelled power plant south of Port Macquarie will not go ahead.
That’s the verdict Port Macquarie MP Rob Oakeshott heard from Planning Minister Frank Sartor’s department after Port Macquarie-Hastings Council decided against selling land for a multi-million dollar power plant near Kew.
On Thursday night, the council’s administrator Dick Persson also withdrew in-principle support for International Power Australia’s project 24kms south-west of Port Macquarie.
Yesterday, Mr Oakeshott told the Port News conversations he had with Mr Sartor’s staff, Department of Planning Director-General Sam Haddad and the deputy Director-General, revealed the issue was all but put to bed.
“Their words were: ‘It’s a dead duck’,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“As there is no landowner’s consent, it is an invalid Part 3A application.”
Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act allows the Planning Minister to call in state significant projects or anything deemed by him as critical infrastructure.
“I believe this is the first Part 3A project which has been knocked back,” Mr Oakeshott.
“The department will be writing to the proponent to say it can’t reconsider the proposal.”
The state MP praised the council for its “clarity and leadership”.
“To be able to say it’s over is a relief. The clarity from council was critical in the whole process.”
Residents Against Power Pollution (RAPP) spokesman Jason Berrigan echoed Mr Oakeshott’s thoughts.
“Mr Persson really deserves a medal for coming out so decisively,” Mr Berrigan said.
The group has achieved its goal in double-quick time.
A fortnight ago About 500 people gathered at the council in a show of community unity against the $110 million power plant proposal.
And now, barely a matter of weeks after its formation, RAPP’s leaders although delighted, remain cautious about the future.
“Until we see the decision in writing from the Lands Department we will continue to send our submissions.”
But in the wake of last week’s announcements, tomorrow’s planned pow-wow with Minister Sartor, Mr Oakeshott, and RAPP members has been canned.
“We will hold one, rain, hail or shine on Sunday and indoors at the Laurieton United Serviceman’s Club if need be,” Mr Berrigan said.
“This outcome has brought a sense of mutual relief, but it still feels a bit surreal. We didn’t expect this to be over so soon.”