Kerrawary Power Station project

At Origin, we are committed to respecting the rights and interests of the communities in which we operate. Since December 2010, members of the project team have met with various groups and individual members of the community including many landowners, local councils, members of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), and representatives from Federal and State members’ offices.

Our aim is to let you know about the project at its current early stage of development, and to explore any concerns you may have.

During discussions, one issue that people often raised was concern for bushfire safety. Due to the high risk of fire in the area, members of the community generously shared their experiences of past incidents, while expressing the need for a comprehensive bushfire management plan. Our Senior Health and Safety Advisor, John Edmunds, has heard these concerns, and is developing a plan for reducing and managing bushfire risks.
We have engaged an independent certified bushfire assessor to identify the risks and help us put measures in place to reduce bushfire risks.

At the beginning of May 2011, we held a Bushfire Risk Assessment and Mitigation Workshop with the RFS team, representatives from the local Big Hill RFS, specialist consultants, the Origin project team and an Origin representative from the Uranquinty Power Station (one of our operating power stations). The workshop was a way of harnessing the wealth of knowledge and incorporating this into the plan.

We have also commenced a series of environmental, sociological and engineering studies as part of the feasibility review for the project. This work will continue as we progress studies and review the potential of the project. We will continue to keep the community informed about the project. Refer to our newsletters for the latest information.

Should we move through to construction, a community investment/enhancements fund will be established.