ASX/Media Release

Origin Energy Power Limited (‘Origin’) is pleased to receive the endorsement of the Victorian Government for its proposed high-efficiency, natural gas-fired power station near Mortlake in southwest Victoria. The announcement was made today by the Energy Industries and Resources Minister, Theo Theophanous.

As part of the planning process, the Minister for Planning released his assessment of the project, having considered the Environment Effects Statement, public and Government submissions, and the advice of the independent panel of experts appointed to review the project.

The Minister’s assessment comes as the culmination of more than two years of project development and community consultation.

The assessment is a precursor to receiving a final approval for the project in the form of a works approval from the Environmental Protection Authority, a planning scheme amendment from the Minister for Planning and a pipeline permit from the Minister for Energy Industries and Resources.

Securing Government support is an essential step in the project’s evolution. Once final Government approval is received for the project, the next important milestone will be a decision by the Board of Origin Energy about whether to proceed to construction of the power station and associated pipeline. That decision is expected later this year and will be dependent on other factors such as supply and demand for electricity.

“We’re very pleased with this general endorsement of the proposed Mortlake power station by the Victorian Government. We believe the project has the potential to result in significant benefit for the local region, Victoria and the national electricity market, whilst minimising any adverse impacts. We’re pleased the Victorian Government has also seen this to be the case,” said Origin’s Executive General Manager, Major Development Projects, Andrew Stock.

“We would particularly like to thank the landowners, local shire councils and government authorities who have assisted us over the past two years to develop a power station concept that satisfies the planning and environmental requirements,” Mr Stock said.

For further information, please contact:

Wayne Gregory
National Manager Public Affairs
Ph: 03 9652 5886
Mobile: 0419 587 375