New NSW coal-fired power station suggested for Boggabri

However, Barwon MP Kevin Humphries was blunt in his assessment of the idea: “We don’t need another one in NSW”.

Tamworth councillor Russell Webb wants to start a conversation about how the region can create more base-load power for NSW.

While he might be in the neighbouring council area, he says Boggabri would be a great location for a new power plant. Cr Webb said it would be better for the local community to get a “kick back” from the nearby coal, rather than seeing it exported overseas.

“We are facing a potential energy crisis and if we are going to build more base-load power facilities, why don’t we work to getting those facilities in our backyard, to provide employment and income for our own region?” Cr Webb asked.

“I think people are nervous talking about coal-fire power stations, so the subject doesn’t get broached. But the fact is, we are facing an energy crisis and we need to act quickly to be part of the solution.

“I’m coming at this as a member of the broader community. This is not about council areas, this is about the greater region and building business opportunities for our region and state.”

Mr Humphries said power usage in NSW was getting more efficient, with less energy being used, despite the population growth.

“We don’t need more base-load power,” the state MP said. Mr Humphries said NSW was working towards a better mix of energy, and another coal-fire power station would be a step in the wrong direction. 

“We are transitioning into renewables and alternative energy sources like gas, that is largely where it is going – of the 12 solar farms we have on the books, four are in Barwon,” he said.

“We have a small gas-fired generator out here [at Narrabri]. Another one of those may be an option down the track to help with peak-load demand.”

Parkes MP Mark Coulton said he would support the concept if it became a possibility and was “keeping an open mind” at this stage.

“A significant issue to be looked at would be the cost of connecting to grid,” Mr Coulton said. Coal exported from Boggabri to Japan was used in new efficient stations generating very low emissions, he said.