Charlotte Varcoe
DEVELOPMENT of a new $120m renewable energy plant will enter the next phase as public consultation on the Altus Renewable facility ends today.
According to Altus Renewables, the proposed plant will produce upwards of 300,000 tonnes of industrial specification pellets each year, generating an estimated $64.1m for the Limestone Coast economy.
The plant is proposed for land along Hutchinson Road, adjacent to Mount Gambier Regional Airport, with the plant to attract an estimated 10 b-double trucks during daytime hours and two b-double trucks at night.
Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub chairperson Ian McDonnell praised the proposal, labelling the development as a welcomed investment in the local timber region.
Mr McDonnell said the interest within the region showcased the strength of the industry and the opportunity for growth.
“This proposal shows that people are willing to invest in our region and that people have the confidence to do so,” Mr McDonnell said.
“It highlights the potential of the industry which is why we want more trees planted because if we do that then the more businesses like this are enticed to come to our region.”
Nearby residents have raised concerns over the location, with Peweena Station owner Owen Wales claiming while neighbouring residents understood the development’s benefits, its proposed location was a source of contention.
“The consultation and discussion with the local community has also been non-existent and there was only a small notice on a gate down Hutchinson Road, which is not always accessible to the public,” Mr Wales said.
“We believe that because this will be a forestry industry production, it should be located more in a forestry area.”
Mr Wales said he understood Altus had notified adjacent properties but not all residents who would be directly affected were contacted.
“We believe either the notification process is flawed or it has not been followed properly,” Mr Wales said.
“The main concerns for the area is pollution control as well because we don’t know if there is going to be effects on surrounding farms but we are also concerned about the noise and light pollution from the increase in transport and truck movement around the area.”
Altus Renewables chief executive Ian Sandeman said local residents would have been notified with information and a letter sent to all adjacent neighbors.
Mr Sandeman said the company did not wish to impact the environment surrounding the proposed site.
“We will also have noise silences to ensure there will be no noise to come out of the process and we wish to be a good neighbour and ensure we operate within the appropriate hours,” Mr Sandeman said.
“We understand why people might feel a bit nervous and encourage them to reach out to us in regards to any concerns they may have, all of which will be taken into account.”
He said the plant would sort materials from sawmills and other processes with all fiber being residual while labelling the pellet industry as a “regulated industry” which was “good for the environment and the community”.
In a submission to the development’s state planning application, Grant District Council stated its concerns in regards to consideration of the impacts on surrounding residents.
“Whilst supportive of the large scale project such as, these the project should be located, designed and operated to retain the current level of amenity experienced by residents and landowners within the locality,” the submission read.
Council also sought a formal consultation from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to further investigate the potential impact the facility may have on the local airport and suggested Altus be responsible for all costs associated with the design and construction of the four-arm intersection and redevelopment of Hutchinson Road.
The council did express some support for the proposed pellet plant given the economic stimulus expected as a result from the development.
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