“For the past 18 months we’ve been working with companies which have expressed an interest in using the site for new industry,” an EnergyAustralia spokesperson said. 

“Progress has been slower than we’d have liked but we are getting closer to a resolution – one way or another – so people can have certainty.

“The good news is we’ve had interest from proponents to use the site, and we’re working with several companies at the moment. Should these proposals progress, they will be shared with the council and the community.”

General manager of Lithgow City Council Graeme Faulkner said that an invitation from council to present at a public meeting would be forthcoming, after councillors supported the move at a meeting last week.

Apart from information on the progression of the Wallerawang site, councillors also sought explanation on EnergyAustralia’s plan to cap ash dams in Wallerawang with soil transported from Sydney and its proposal to use refuse derived fuel (non-recyclable waste) as a secondary fuel at Mt Piper Power Station. 

A spokesperson for EnergyAustralia said company representatives had met with members of council regarding both projects but EnergyAustralia would welcome the opportunity to speak in a public forum. 

“Today major projects simply can’t proceed without the community’s support. Any project we do has to be socially and environmentally acceptable,” the spokesperson said.

“We welcome opportunities to update the community on our operations.” 

In April EnergyAustralia held two public presentations on its plan to burn waste (or to conduct ‘energy recovery’) at Mt Piper Power Station. An Environmental Impact Statement is currently been prepared on the project. 

EnergyAustralia has submitted a development application to the Department of Planning and Assessment regarding its dam capping plan.

“We will consult further with the community on both projects in coming months,” the spokesperson said. 

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