Get ready for it: the New South Wales (NSW) Government is set to massively expand the state’s coal power industry. In fact, it’s proposing the biggest expansion for 30 years. Not only is it planning to refurbish and expand two existing polluting dinosaurs (Munmorah and Eraring pwer stations in the Hunter region), it is going to build two brand-spanking-new ones at Bayswater and Mount Piper.
If you’re outraged at this idea: join the rally outside the NSW ALP Conference next Saturday 14th November. Meet at Town Hall at 12:30pm.
Climate change is an urgent threat but our politicians don’t seem to get it. Instead of investing in renewable energy they are continuing to prop up this filthy industry. At this stage the state government hasn’t ruled out gas for the two new power stations at Bayswater and Mount Piper, but one thing is for sure: whether they’re coal or gas, they will add millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases to our pollution output – at a time when we should take every step possible to reduce emissions. Building gas-fired plants will ensure that renewable energy is squeezed out of the NSW energy market. It is outrageous and immoral – and the state government needs to be held to account.
Public submissions have now closed on the Bayswater and Mount Piper proposals. Presumably the approval process will happen sometime in the new year. You can bet the government will want the approvals wrapped up by the time they sell off the state’s electricity infrastructure. In the meantime, they are seeking expressions of interest from possible financiers who don’t mind how dirty their money gets.
What can you do to influence this process? Well for one, get in your local MP’s ear about how outrageous this is. Tell them you want all new energy from renewable sources.
Second thing: come to the rally next Saturday! Meet at Town Hall and march to the Entertainment Centre, where the conference is being held.
And finally: if all else fails, and the plans are approved, consider taking part in peaceful civil disobedience to prevent construction from going ahead. At least that way you’ll be able to look into your own heart and your grandkid’s eyes, and know that you did your utmost best to prevent catastrophic climate change. Which is much more than we can say for our state politicians.
