TRC starts procurement for New Energy Generation project

Toowoomba Regional Council this week formally launches the procurement process relating to a New Energy Generation Project.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said he was pleased to see the project move to the first phase of the Expression of Interest process following a Council resolution approving the project in July this year.

Mayor Antonio said that market scanning actives conducted were very promising with a number of major entities expressing possible interest in the project.

“Council has had prior discussions with some entities since we announced our interest in hydro power generation in August 2017,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Council does not wish to ask numerous bidders to expend substantial bid costs, which is what would occur if Council went straight to an open tender process.

“Council’s preference is to ask the market which proponents are interested in preparing a full bid to vie for a project and seek details regarding their proven ability to develop or deliver such infrastructure within a reasonable time.

“Council is excited to be starting the Expression of Interest process, which opens nationally this week and will remain open until November 26, 2019.

“If the project proceeds to delivery phase, Council will pursue commercially based competitive processes to ensure a strong outcome for the Toowoomba region community.

“Probity standards and monitoring have been established to ensure confidence by energy industry investors in the integrity of the process.”