EnviroMission Limited

Recent Media Releases

21 August 2002

Wentworth Shire Council
Media release
Date: Wednesday, 21 August, 2002
FILE: S182

Solar Tower in the spotlight

THE giant EnviroMission Solar Tower power-generating project was in the spotlight again today at Wentworth Shire Council’s August monthly meeting.

Discussion of the project was sparked by a report from the Shire’s Planning Department requesting formal recognition of Council’s wholehearted support for the project.

Councillors, not surprisingly, were unanimous in their vocal support for the $800 million project which Mayor, Cr Don McKinnon, envisages will rival the famous Snowy River Scheme for visual and social impact.

"Council has been behind this project from day one, even when the Ned’s Corner Victorian site was being considered," he said.

"Then came the news that Tapio Station had become the preferred site and we had to start thinking a new ball game altogether.

"The solar tower will have a marked impact on the Sunraysia region, both economically and socially, but an even more momentous influence on our municipality."

The Shire’s formal show of support for the tower comes hard on the heels of the focus meeting of New South Wales Government departments in Wentworth earlier this month to progress the project.

The meeting, on Wednesday, August 7, was led by planningNSW and included other government representatives from departments including Land and Water Conservation (DLWC); the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Road Traffic Authority (RTA).

Confirmation that the project has been granted State Significant Development Status by the NSW Government is yet to be confirmed, but Mayor McKinnon is confident it will eventuate.

"Now that it has the Federal Government’s seal of approval we are hopeful the State Government will also add its weight to the push for this project to proceed as soon as possible," he said.

Federal Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, last week announced the venture had been given a status that ensured it would receive Howard Government support including assistance through any necessary approval processes.

EnviroMission has committed to continue to work with Wentworth Shire and share information as it becomes available in relation to economic development, employment and amenity opportunities associated with the project within the Shire.

"Wentworth Shire Council’s support for the Solar Tower venture is highly valued by EnviroMission and our investors, this support has been evident in all interactions with Council member’s and staff," EnviroMission Chief Executive, Roger Davey, said.

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