Opposition to the reopening of Redbank Power Station

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Proposals to reopen the Redbank Power Station have been met with opposition from environmentalists. 

Verdant Earth Technologies made the proposal, looking to turn the former coal-fired power station into a biomass energy generator. 

They say they will work closely with industry, local Landcare services and landowners, sourcing material through the removal of wood waste and noxious weeds from residencies and approved sites.

With plans on burning 850,000 tonnes of waste wood to produce energy. 

Representatives from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW have opposed the reopening of the plant, arguing the initiative is backed by fossil-fuel lobbyists and may not be environmentally friendly.  

While further claiming the burning of any material will continue to see significant carbon emissions. 

Photo courtesy of Nipun Jagtap

Protesters To Rally Against Biomass Outside Hunter MP's Office

 BY IAN CROUCH

Members of the Redbank Action Group will stage a protest on Friday morning outside the office of Hunter MP Dan Repacholi as part of the International Day of Action Against Biomass.

The protest coincides with the Federal Government's deadline for submissions on the use of native forest biomass to generate electricity.

The group claims a proposal to burn native forest timber to create electricity at the Redbank Power Station is more polluting than burning coal, destroys habitat and removes trees which help to reduce CO2 emissions.

They're calling on Dan Repacholi to push for legislation to ban the burning of biomass.

Redbank Power Station could be used to burn biomass to create electricity