THE Planning Assessment Commission has recommended approval of the controversial $5billion fourth coal terminal on Kooragang Island.
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Despite strong opposition, the commission found concerns about the project’s potential impact on air quality, contamination and biodiversity could be effectively offset and managed.
The 70million-tonne coal-loader is predicted to generate 1500 construction jobs and up to 80 operational positions.
Significantly, the commission recommended the project be given a five-year approval to commence construction rather than a 10-year approval recommended by the Department of Planning.
This was done to help ensure that T4 does not become the justification or driver of future coal production.
The commission acknowledged that the demand for coal had softened and that the terminal would not be needed until after 2023.
‘‘However, while fluctuations in the market may delay the requirement for a fourth terminal, it is recognised that the ability to meet an increased demand in the future requires continued investment and expansion in supporting infrastructure,’’ the commission said.
The commission also recommends staged development so that the facility’s coal handling capacity is no larger than necessary and over-investment is avoided.
More than 125 speakers addressed the Planning Assessment Commission panel about the project in August.
Community and environment groups that campaigned against the project predicted it would have a detrimental impact on air quality and the loss of wetland habitat.
‘‘T4 is not needed and there is a real risk that this coal-loader will become a useless piece of polluting infrastructure with internationally important bird habitat lost for nothing,’’ Hunter Community Environment Centre spokesman Paul Winn said on Monday.
Newcastle Greens councillor Michael Osborne said, ‘‘The so-called independent planning assessment commission heard all the community’s concerns about air quality, contamination and biodiversity and then ignored them.’’
EARLIER REPORT:
THE Planning Assessment Commission has recommended approval of the fourth coal terminal on Kooragang Island.
The commission acknowledged in its summary report that the demand for coal has softened and there is no immediate need for the terminal.
‘‘However, while fluctuations in the market may delay the requirement for a fourth terminal, it is recognised that the ability to meet an increased demand in the future requires continued investment and expansion in supporting infrastructure,’’ the commission said.
The 70 million tonne, $4.8 billion project is expected to generate 1500 construction jobs and up to 80 operational positions. More than 125 speakers addressed the Planning Assessment Commission panel about the project in August.
These articles first appeared on The Herald website.