The Planning and Environment Court has approved the extension of the 2007 development permit for a proposed Biomass Power Plant at Hillview Road, Mt Cotton until 20 March 2015.
Redland City Council Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said she respected the court’s decision to grant the extension and would continue to be available to listen to the community’s concerns.
“I understand the Court relied on the opinion of the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection as well as the opinion of experts in town planning, air quality and noise in coming to its decision to extend the development permit,” she said.
“The Court recorded the Council’s position which did not oppose the application with the Judge saying it had no bearing on the Court’s independent assessment and judgment to approve the extension.
“Judge Andrews also acknowledged that Council had acted appropriately to raise the public submissions against the proposals, but accepted the expert evidence that supported the proposal.”
The decision allows Cleveland Power to proceed with construction of the plant prior to March 20, 2015.
Cleveland Power lodged an appeal with the Court in December 2011 following Council’s decision to refuse a two year extension to the development permit.
The Biomass facility was originally approved by the Planning and Environment Court on 7 November 2007 and will use chicken litter to generate approximately 5 megawatts of electricity.
The facility is proposed to be located behind the Golden Cockerel chicken processing plant at Mount Cotton.
