EnviroMission Limited

Recent Media Releases

5 April 2002

Wentworth Shire Council
Media release
Date: Friday, 5 April, 2002

Task force formed for solar tower push

WENTWORTH Shire Mayor, Cr Don McKinnon, will lead a high-powered task force dedicated to making certain that EnviroMission’s visionary $670 million ‘green’ solar-powered electricity generating tower on Tapio Station goes ahead.

The task force will become "the engine room behind the push for the tower to be constructed in our municipality", the Mayor said.

The group comprises the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Cr Warren Ward; General Manager, David McMillan; Director Operations, Peter Turner; Manager Planning, Steve Mars and media liaison Grant Maynard.

"This is the core of the task force," the Mayor said. "We envisage membership expanding as the drive for this marvellous project gains momentum."
One of the task force’s first actions will be to invite Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, and Member for Murray Darling, Peter Black, to join the group.

"We feel that both our local Members have an influential role to play in ensuring this tremendous opportunity is realised," the Mayor said.

Second on the agenda is an invitation for EnviroMission representatives to address Council as soon as possible, briefing it on the project.

Cr McKinnon said one of the fledgling task force’s major objectives would be toget the New South Wales State Government excited about the project.

"The EnviroMission proposal would certainly complement Premier, Bob Carr’s, biosphere idea," the Mayor said.

"It would also have a beneficial multiplier effect, boosting the private sector in a whole range support service areas."

The Shire’s planning department has determined the project (estimated at $670 million) and accompanying infrastructure could easily become a billion dollar project.

The solar tower will need to be supported by:

Extensive housing…a 2000 people workforce during the building phase could mean potentially another 800 additional dwellings in a period of time suited to allow their use during the construction period. 400 homes for the workers on the project and a similar number for homes for those involved in support activities, bus drivers, school teachers, tradesmen etc
An additional 1000 children needing schools to go to.
A road network including a bypass to meet the need of this major project (probably during construction period) in New South Wales.
Large improvements in local, State and Federal Government services.

"These are just a few of the things that need to be considered," Planning Manager, Mr Steve Mars, said.

The more people we can get excited about this project the better chance it has of going ahead, the Mayor said.

"This is a visionary project that deserves wide support from Government and the private sector alike."

Ends…

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