The former Wallerawang power station will undergo a radical transformation after it was announced on Monday that its new owners, organic materials recycling business Bettergrow Pty Ltd are planning to turn the site into an industrial park.
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Liz Westcott, EnergyAustralia Executive - Energy said they're excited to see the station turn into something that will boost the Lithgow economy.
"Since the Wallerawang plant closed in 2014 our team has been carefully rehabilitating the site in preparation for a new owner. We are pleased to announce that Greenspot has purchased the site and will continue a proud 60-year history within the community," she said.
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"We look forward to Greenspot realising their vision for an industrial park, and with it, the creation of jobs, new business opportunities and a welcome boost to the local economy."
Similarly, head of Mt Piper Greg McIntyre acknowledged the long history the station has in the Lithgow community.
"Many locals had - and still have - a strong connection to the plant with their relatives or friends having worked there at some point. We hope they are pleased with today's news that sets up the site for future generations," he said.
"We thank members of the Lithgow community for their patience throughout the repurposing program. In addition, we thank Lithgow City Council and The Hon. Paul Toole for their continued support."
Greenspot said it aims to leverage the collective experience of its partners to generate activity on site, and to work with public and private sector stakeholders to attract and accommodate a variety of businesses that will coexist on the site.
The Wallerawang site including buffer lands covers around 450 hectares and offers a rail siding and high-voltage electricity connection. EnergyAustralia closed the plant in 2014 to focus fuel and resources to Mt Piper station.
Bettergrow managing director Neil Schembri said he wanted to thank the community for their support.
Mr Schembri also said Greenspot first intends to undertake a program of decommissioning, demolition and rehabilitation works, which is expected to commence in the first half of next year.
This program will take approximately two-and-a-half years and require around 60 workers during peak activity.
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