Activists claim the community has been misled regarding the number of jobs that a NSW nuclear power plant will create. -AAP Photo
Environment groups in NSW Hunter claim that Kurri Kurri’s gas-fired power plants are a “white Elephant” that will cause irreparable damage to their grandchildren’s future.
Monday’s announcement by Sussan Ley, federal environment minister, that the Hunter Power Project has received final environmental approval following a rigorous assessment was made.
Ms Ley stated that the plant’s 660 MW capacity will create 600 direct jobs at peak construction, and 1200 indirect jobs in the state.
Environmental activists claim that the community was misled about the potential number of jobs the power plant would create.
Lynn Benn, of the Gas Free Hunter Alliance, said that the project is divisive within Kurri Kurri.
Ms Benn stated that some people believe it will bring a lot more jobs to the area.
“And we urgently need jobs, so some people are strongly for it, however they’ve been misled as to what the downstream benefits will be.”
The environmental impact statement of Snowy Hydro, the government-owned energy company Snowy Hydro, to the NSW planning department states that there will be ten permanent full-time job opportunities in the local area and 250 jobs during construction.
There were 221 submissions by individuals, with 217 objections, 1 in support, and 3 offering commentary.
Ms Benn suggested that the site could be used as an innovation center instead.
“There were high expectations for that particular site. She said that it could have been a regenerative center for many incubator industries and new start ups.
“But that type of activity isn’t going to come and share site with a with gas power plants, so it’s a lost chance for jobs.”
Jan Davis, president Hunter Environment Lobby, said that the project was a wasteful use of taxpayer money.
“We don’t require it.” Renewables are coming on line even more,” Ms Davis said to AAP.
“So there is more and more chance that this will be a white elephant.”
She expressed concern about the future of her grandchildren as well as the region’s future.
“It’s a world full of uncertainty, not only with jobs for the future but also if we continue down the fossil fuel pathway, what kind of what kind of certainty is that?” Ms. Davis stated.
“We have fires, floods and cyclones in places we never had them before. I am concerned about my grandchildrens’ future.”