PORT of Newcastle has launched into community engagement on the development of its Clean Energy Precinct environmental impact statement (EIS).
The community engagement process began today (26 February), allowing participants to discuss the project with environmental experts, interact with project displays and provide feedback on the EIS. The sessions are due to wrap up on Thursday (27 February).
Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct, to be developed on a 220-hectare disused industrial site, would facilitate the production, storage, distribution and export of clean energy
The port has appointed professional services company GHD to support the statutory approvals for the project, and engineering studies, including the EIS.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the community’s voice is an important part of the project.
“Port of Newcastle is the most advanced port in Australia toward clean energy production, with Front End Engineering Design [FEED] and EIS studies well underway,” he said.
“We are committed to genuine consultation with the local community and other stakeholders about this project, and we’ve already undertaken significant engagement with local community groups, including Traditional Owners, port users, and residents.
“Continuing the conversation with our community is an important part of this stage of the Precinct’s development. I encourage everyone to be part of this project that’s creating once-in-a-generation change for our city and the greater Hunter Region.”
GHD Australia CEO Dean McIntyre said Port of Newcastle has an important role to play in the broader energy future of the Hunter region, New South Wales and Australia.
“GHD is proud to be partnering with Port of Newcastle to bring our local knowledge and technical authority to this signature project for the Hunter,” he said.
“Working closely with the Port of Newcastle team, we’re looking forward to engaging with the community at these upcoming sessions and over the coming months.”
Port of Newcastle said its CEP is the only Australian port currently at FEED and EIS studies stage, which is being undertaken by Lumea (electrical), CoNEXA (water) and GHD (general infrastructure).
The studies cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure, and pipelines to berth.
Current CEP studies are funded by a $100 million grant for hydrogen readiness from the Commonwealth government and administered by the NSW government.
