EDO welcomes milestone Redbank decision

The Environmental Defender’s Office (NSW) welcomes the decision by the NSW Government to reject the Redbank II power station on environmental grounds.

"The Infrastructure and Planning Minister has made a responsible decision in rejecting the plant on the basis that it would generate an unacceptable level of greenhouse gases," says EDO Director, Jeff Smith. "The magnitude of these emissions was the core of a legal challenge to the Redbank facility almost ten years ago."

"It acknowledges the many years of work by community groups and environmental organisations to challenge the Hunter Valley power station," Smith says.

"For EDO it has also demonstrated the value of engaging in issues before they get to the courts. The EDO has been working closely with environment groups for some time, providing legal and policy advice on all aspects of the Redbank II proposal".

EDO acted for Greenpeace in 1994 to challenge the Redbank I Power Station on the grounds that:

• it would result in a net increase of carbon dioxide emissions;
• there was no demand for the new power station; and
• it contradicted both Australian and international policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

At that time the Land and Environment Court of NSW held that the law did not restrict the building of new power stations and the appeal was dismissed.