Mayoral Column 3rd September 2021
Published on 03 September 2021
Jerrara Power Update
On Thursday I had the opportunity to meet with the NSW Minister of Planning Hon Rob Stokes, Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman as well as staff from the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) and representatives of Southern Highlands Progress Association to discuss the Jerrara Power project and the process the DPIE is going through.
Our concern, which I have voiced publically, is that the process is biased positively in favour of the project, when community concern should be number one. The Department of Planning has characterised Jerrara Power’s project as an ‘Electricity Generation Plant,’ however we strongly believe the project is a ‘Waste to Energy’ proposal as most would agree. The Jerrara Power proposal’s primary purpose is waste disposal, and although it will be converting this to energy it is critical that the characterisation of the project lines up with the primary objective – disposal of waste.
We were advised that the Department of Planning are assessing their legal options in order to finalise their position, and that this will also be based on a new NSW Government policy on waste to energy which we were told is only weeks away.
Staff at DPIE did advise that they will not be changing the characterisation of the Jerrara Power proposal, and that it will be administered through the NSW Government Infrastructure State Environment Planning Policy as a state significant project.
I will continue to keep the community informed as we learn more.
Preserving native vegetation
September is Biodiversity Month, and throughout it Council is undertaking a campaign to remind our community of the rules and regulations around land clearing, and the responsibility we all have to preserve native vegetation.
Native vegetation is protected by a variety of legislative instruments including the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and penalties do apply if you clear without approval. Depending on where your property is located, and the clearing you would like to undertake, you will need to consult with Local Land Services or Council.
If you are clearing vegetation for agricultural purposes on rural zoned land, you will need to consult with Local Land Services. For all other clearing you will need to consult with Council.
There may be a number of reasons you are looking to undertake clearing, but it’s important you come and speak with Council staff or Local Land Services prior to doing so.
We have had cases recently of people claiming they were told by real estate agents, developers or other industry stakeholders that clearing was okay, but it’s important that you speak with us first. Although some exemptions may apply, typically approval is necessary.
We are asking that if you are in doubt before undertaking clearing you need to contact Council via 4823 4444 and we will point you in the correct direction.
COVID delays for major projects
Stay at home restrictions and lockdowns in NSW and the ACT are affecting major projects of Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
Construction of the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre and the Goulburn Aquatic Centre redevelopment have faced delays in recent weeks, with less tradespeople and labourers able to be on site. Smaller projects such as the Cookbundoon Amenities Building have also faced challenges in gaining materials for completion.
Like anyone else trying to build at the moment, we are facing some difficulties that unfortunately will mean delays in completion of projects
It has become nearly impossible for our project managers at the Performing Arts Centre and Aquatic Centre to access labour out of Sydney and Canberra for the projects due to lockdowns. I know we have been trying to utilise local tradespeople where possible but the reality is most of our locals are engaged in projects already so we have been unable to make up the shortfall.
Both projects will likely have extended practical completion dates, and we will keep the community updated however it is difficult to know just how long they will be delayed until restrictions are eased. When they are eased we hope both projects will ramp back up quickly.
Both the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre and Goulburn Aquatic & Leisure Centre are scheduled to be completed and opened in February 2022. Goulburn Mulwaree Council expect to be able to confirm and publicise a date for openings towards the end of the year, assuming restrictions are eased.