ASX/Media Release
17 March 2006
Planning Panel commences for proposed Mortlake Power Station Project
The panel appointed to consider the environmental effects of the proposed Mortlake Power Station commences its public hearing in Mortlake on Monday.
The hearing is expected to conclude on Friday 24th March, 2006.
Origin Energy Limited (‘Origin’) proposes to construct a high-efficiency, natural gas-fired power station near Mortlake.
Appointed by Planning Panels Victoria, a branch of the Victorian Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE), the panel will consider the contents of the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) released by Origin in November 2005, as well as submissions made by the public.
A total of 10 submissions to the EES were received by the DSE, eight from government departments and commercial organisations and two from nearby landowners. Those who have made submissions will have the opportunity to address the panel about their submission.
The panel will also consider Amendment C20 to the Moyne Planning Scheme.
“This is a critical part of the approvals process and provides the means for key issues to be addressed in a public forum. It also enables the panel to inspect sites for both the pipeline and power station,” said Wayne Gregory, National Manager of Public Affairs.
“We look forward to what is essentially the culmination of more than two years of project development and community consultation.
“Landowners, the local shire councils and government authorities have been generous with their time in working with Origin to identify potential issues and develop mitigation measures for the project. Origin has worked hard to address their concerns and we look forward to discussing these aspects with the panel next week,” Mr Gregory said.
Following the hearings, the panel will prepare a report for the Minister for Planning who is expected to make a formal assessment under the Environment Effects Act in mid-2006. The Board of Origin Energy will then examine and make a decision on the project towards the end of the year.
For information throughout the panel hearing, please contact:
Wayne Gregory
National Manager Public Affairs
Ph: 03 9652 5886
Mobile: 0419 587 375
The hearing is expected to conclude on Friday 24th March, 2006.
Origin Energy Limited (‘Origin’) proposes to construct a high-efficiency, natural gas-fired power station near Mortlake.
Appointed by Planning Panels Victoria, a branch of the Victorian Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE), the panel will consider the contents of the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) released by Origin in November 2005, as well as submissions made by the public.
A total of 10 submissions to the EES were received by the DSE, eight from government departments and commercial organisations and two from nearby landowners. Those who have made submissions will have the opportunity to address the panel about their submission.
The panel will also consider Amendment C20 to the Moyne Planning Scheme.
“This is a critical part of the approvals process and provides the means for key issues to be addressed in a public forum. It also enables the panel to inspect sites for both the pipeline and power station,” said Wayne Gregory, National Manager of Public Affairs.
“We look forward to what is essentially the culmination of more than two years of project development and community consultation.
“Landowners, the local shire councils and government authorities have been generous with their time in working with Origin to identify potential issues and develop mitigation measures for the project. Origin has worked hard to address their concerns and we look forward to discussing these aspects with the panel next week,” Mr Gregory said.
Following the hearings, the panel will prepare a report for the Minister for Planning who is expected to make a formal assessment under the Environment Effects Act in mid-2006. The Board of Origin Energy will then examine and make a decision on the project towards the end of the year.
For information throughout the panel hearing, please contact:
Wayne Gregory
National Manager Public Affairs
Ph: 03 9652 5886
Mobile: 0419 587 375
