Premier Morris Iemma yesterday announced that proposals to build new power stations in NSW would be declared “critical infrastructure”. This means all new power stations proposals and applications will be assessed “expeditiously and in a cost-effective and predictable fashion.”
Yesterday’s announcement will apply to all power stations with a capacity greater than 250 megawatts, regardless of fuel source, and provided all relevant applications are lodged before January 1, 2013.
Premier Iemma stated: “Power stations can take a long time to plan, build, commission and bring on-line, so my Government will clear a path for companies investing in this critical part of NSW’s future.”
Premier Iemma also reassured that new power stations will still be subject to a transparent and public assessment process to ensure protection of the environment and local communities.
This announcement came after the Owen Inquiry found that power stations have extended timelines to obtain the necessary approvals and recommended the Government monitor the progress of changes to NSW planning, development approval and environmental processes to make sure proposals are assessed quickly and efficiently.
For more information, see www.nsw.gov.au/energy
