HIA in Progress: Hume Power Station (Australian Capital Territory) ~ A Lion

A health impact assessment is being carried out on a proposed power plant to be built near Hume in the Australian Capital Territory. The 28MW power plant will provide electricity for a major data centre hub being built by a consortium that includes ActewAGL, Technical Real Estate and CB Richard Ellis.

The proposal has been contentious, with substantial local opposition and has even led to a vote of no confidence in the ACT Chief Minister John Stanhope. Opponents are concerned about the proximity of the power station to residential areas in Macarthur and Tuggeranong, particularly in relation to potential impacts on air quality.

You can find out more about the HIA in the videos (inclduing videos of the consultation forum and technical workshop), media stories and links below.

Update 10 August 2008
ABC Online is reporting that the ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, has disbanded the health impact assessment steering committee and that an environmental impact study that includes an investigation of health effects will be undertaken instead. Further reports and commentary on the decision here, here and here.

Update 17 November 2008
The environmental impact assessment on the data centre has now been released.

Videos

Canberrans for Powerstation Relocation Protest
25 June 2008