COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR GAS PLANT AT ODDS WITH SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
Cessnock City councillors have voted unanimously in support of a Federal Government proposal to build a gas-fired power station in Kurri.
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This decision is at odds with council's alignment with the Cities Power Partnership, "Australia's largest network of cities and towns tackling climate change".
It's also at odds with council website advice about living more sustainably. The Council's Carbon Management and Energy Reduction Plan of May 2015 - also on council's website - shows commitment to reduce the carbon emissions of its own operations.
Burning gas to generate electricity produces CO2 emissions, and leaks methane throughout the supply chain, making it scarcely better than coal.
Cessnock Council could encourage investment in renewable energy and support its sustainability goals - economically, socially and environmentally.
Solar is the cheapest form of energy to produce and people need employment in an industry with a future.
The Deputy Mayor was reported in the Advertiser on October 28 welcoming the gas-fired power generator proposal, and said: "The development of Kurri as a renewable centre of energy generation just makes sense".
Did he mean a centre of renewable energy generation?
If so, Kurri is ideal, however, gas is not a form of renewable energy, it's a finite fossil fuel.
Llynda Nairn, Millfield
- HAVE YOUR SAY: Send your letters to the editor to mail@cessnockadvertiser.com.au, or by post to The Advertiser, Level 1, Suite 2/12 Elgin Street, Maitland NSW 2320. Letters must include your name and suburb and a phone number for verification purposes.
