Brighton Council has approved a proposal from Tasmanian company Total Energy Services Tasmania (TEST) to construct and operate a $120 million plant that will convert waste to energy. The decision follows comprehensive environmental, public health and planning research.
The plant, which will be the first of its kind in Australia to use its clean-green European technology, will be constructed at the Brighton Industrial Estate, about 20 minutes north of Hobart.
Mayor Tony Foster said the project was an exciting one because it was a national first.
“After careful consideration of all the issues, this Council could not refuse a proposal that fits so well into its environmental, planning and social policies,” he said. “By using waste to create energy and including recycling facilities, the Brighton Resource Recovery Centre will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill or disposed of using other traditional, not so environmentally friendly, methods.
“On top of this, it will create much needed jobs for Tasmania throughout the construction process and during its operation. All of this complements our strong environmental policies and practices, for which the Council has been praised at a state and national level.
“I commend and thank TEST for bringing this project to Brighton and look forward to its development and the creation of a new industry in our municipality.”
Brighton Council Environment and Development Services Manager Mike Shield, who investigated the project on the Council’s behalf, said the facility met world’s best practice standards in all areas of environmental practice and sustainability.
“The community can be rest assured that strict conditions have been put in place and that the plant’s construction and operation will be monitored to ensure that these requirements are adhered to.
“I have every confidence that TEST will fulfil its obligations, creating a plant that will be envied by other communities world-wide for its ability to produce energy from waste using clean-green technology.”
The development demonstrates how a relatively small Council can attract big business without compromising any of its policies.
Mayor Foster said he was confident the project would also attract other businesses and industries to the Brighton Industrial Estate.
TEST Managing Director Craig Ransley welcomed the decision and said the company could now begin negotiating waste contracts with southern Tasmanian Councils. He said he was hopeful work on the Brighton Resource Recovery Centre would begin as early as July.
For further information contact Mike Shield, telephone 0418 389 032.
