“WE’VE WON,” said Brock Vanzino following NSW Planning office’s decision not to approve a diesel-fuelled power plant at Herons Creek, even before a final report made it to the minister’s desk.
“We’ve beat big business,” cheered Mr Vanzino, whose property adjoins the Herons Creek site.
When asked if he did a victory dance he said: “Yes, and I think my wife and children thought I’d finally lost my mind.”
Thanks to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s decision to withdraw consent for the sale of land at Herons Creek, earmarked for the peaking power plant, the NSW Department of Planning advised local MP Rob Oakeshott on Friday evening that the application is “a dead duck.”
“Without landowners consent the application will not proceed any further as it is invalid,” Mr Oakeshott said.
Members of RAPP (Residents Against Power Pollution) used Sunday’s planned public rally as a platform to launch the good news. The event then became a celebration.
“Rob Oakeshott’s comments on Friday night were enough to convince me that it’s over,” said RAPP member Jason Berrigan.
“The decision by the council to withdraw their consent showed great leadership. The administrator Dick Persson has been so resolute and dedicated in investigating the issue and quickly seeking legal advice.”
Fellow RAPP member, and Jason’s partner, Jacque McLaren said, “RAPP is rapt”
“Council’s decision showed great leadership which is way overdue on a local government level in this area.”
Last week RAPP hosted representatives from the Environmental Defenders Office, solicitor Ian Ratcliff and education officer Dr Mark Byrne, and Professor Hugh Outhred from the University of NSW to speak at a public information session.
Around 400 people listened intently to the legalities behind the peaking power plant proposals and how the station would work.
“The talks were quite heavy legally but very informative for the people and the speakers were excellent,” Mr Berrigan said.
“But what amazed me was how the public is not treating this as a Not-In-My-Back-Yard issue. They are really concerned about climate change and using alternative technology to supply our power needs.
“As professor Hugh Outhred pointed out we may have won this battle but there may be another application for a power plant in our area in the future if there is the demand for more power. He said diesel, unfortunately, is a viable alternative where gas is unavailable.”
We haven’t heard the last from RAPP. Mr Berrigan said the team planned to remain a lobby group.
“We are keen to maintain our profile to push for sustainable energy,” Mr Berrigan said.
“And keep an eye out for any future development applications for power stations.”