Council position on additional units at Mt Piper and Coal consistent with lobbying efforts through…

Mayor Ray Thompson, in response to a Mercury article on Tuesday 20 November 2018 reporting on Council’s call for additional generators at Mt Piper and the retention of Coal fired power stations as a “stunt”, released correspondence dated 13th August 2018 from former Mayor Cr Lesslie to Andree Gee MP, calling for commitment to coal fired power generation and the addition of two generators at Mt Piper (Letter - Mt Piper Power station ).

“This is a serious matter for this Council and Community and Council’s position has been clear on this under successive Mayors as indicated in the correspondence from former Mayor Cr Lesslie to Andrew Gee on the 13th August 2018” said Mayor Thompson.

“Council is forward thinking but also recognizes of the impact that potential change may have on our mining families, and the multiplier effect of lost income on business, and both are a concern for Council. Renewable energy is important but comes second to protecting our existing Lithgow community and their livelihoods.” said Cr Thompson.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Wayne McAndrew supported the consistency of Council on this matter and noted the debate on coal fired power station was still current, and perhaps more significant given the need for self-reliance in Australia on energy resources, including coal and renewables, in an increasingly changing world environment.

“Councils position has been consistent in this matter since I have been deputy Mayor and I have supported former and current Mayors in advocating our position on Coal and the Mt Piper Generating units to Government and Opposition members at both State and Federal Levels” said Cr McAndrew.

Contact:    Ray Thompson Mayor Tel: 0468 578 336

Wayne McAndrew Deputy Mayor Tel: 0417 230 441