The NSW Land and Environment Court has allowed the NSW Nature Conservation Council (NCC) to join proceedings in defence of the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) refusal of an application to restart the Redbank Power Station.  

Last year, the IPC refused a proposal to restart Redbank after considering substantial community feedback and expert evidence on climate, environmental, and social impacts.   

Energy company Verdant Earth Technologies has appealed that refusal.  

The company is seeking to use the retired coal-fired power station near Singleton in NSW to burn up to 500,000 tonnes of native vegetation a year to produce energy.   

The company’s appeal is a merits appeal, meaning the court will determine the application afresh and may consider new evidence.  

The court’s decision on Friday, January 23, to allow NCC to join the case as a respondent ensures the community’s concerns about environmental harm will be strongly argued before the court.  

This is a big step forward because NCC can now be an active party in the case and help to defend the IPC’s decision.  

Our client’s participation will ensure the court hears clear, evidence‑based arguments about the environmental harms of this project.  

Why this project matters  

Our client is deeply concerned about the potential environmental impacts of this project.  

NCC has obtained independent expert advice that estimates restarting the power station could generate more than 25 million tonnes of climate pollution over the project’s 30-year life.  

Experts have also warned the project would create incentives for land clearing that could accelerate native vegetation clearing and the removal of vital threatened species habitat. 

What this means in practice  

Now NCC has joined the proceedings, it can:  

  • Gain full access to the court as a party to the case, meaning it can argue the community’s concerns as strongly as possible; 
  • Lead expert evidence during the proceedings; and  
  • Raise important environmental issues.  

What happens next  

On 20 February, there will be a conciliation conference to see if all parties can reach an agreement on the development.  

Last week’s decision ensures NCC will have a seat at the table with the IPC.  

If an agreement cannot be reached, then a date for a full hearing in the NSW Land and Environment Court will be set.