Energy Australia also runs the 440 MW Tallawarra A gas-fired power station at Lake Illawarra in Yallah, NSW. Photo: Energy Australia.
The proponent of two proposed gas-fired power stations near Marulan is surveying people in Goulburn about their views on gas and renewable energy, and inviting people to join a consultative reference group.
The activity around Marulan and in Goulburn is another step in a long, drawn-out process that began in 2008 when the gas project was first mooted. The two power plants were approved the following year. Since then Energy Australia has over 15 years applied successfully for extensions.
The latest extension continues to October, 2026.
The peaking plants are designed to fire up when electricity demand increases and other sources of energy, such as wind and solar, are unable to meet demand.
The original design provided for four 40-metre-high exhaust stacks rising out from the two power stations, which would be developed over a 117-ha site at Canyonleigh, 12 km northeast of Marulan and about 25 km east of Goulburn.
Energy Australia will not say what the project is worth, but previous reports estimated it at between $700 million and $800 million.
Clearing the land and developing infrastructure will disturb 22 ha of high conservation woodlands harbouring rare and endangered animals.
These include the rare eastern false pipistrelle vesper bat, diamond firetail finch and hooded robin. Planning documents acknowledge the project will reduce foraging habitat and could render the remaining habitat unsuitable.
The striking but endangered diamond firetail finch has been recorded in a patch of woodland that will be cleared to make way for gas-fired power stations near Marulan. Photo: Helen Fallows/NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Brayton residents have previously objected to the destruction of bushland and wildlife and said the power station would add to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
In submissions objecting to the proposal they said consultation had been so poor new residents moving into the area would be unaware a gas-fired power plant was proposed in the neighbourhood.
The power station’s proximity to the Wollondilly River, part of Sydney’s water catchment, increased the risk of contamination, objectors said.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council was surprised to learn of the latest application to extend the consent timeframe from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
In September last year the council’s former chief executive Aaron Johansson wrote to Planning NSW to say Energy Australia was keeping the council and the Marulan community in the dark about their plans.
Over the 15 years since approval was granted much had changed, Mr Johansson said in his letter to the department’s assessment team.
Energy Australia’s leaflet being distributed around Marulan inviting people on to a reference group for two proposed gas-fired power stations near Marulan. Photo: Supplied.
For example, box gum woodland impacted by the project was now classified as critically endangered and the community wanted to see better protection.
“The attitude of the community towards non-renewable energy production, which has shifted towards support for appropriately located renewable sources such as solar and battery storage systems,” he said.
Mr Johansson said Energy Australia should not be allowed to use continual modification rules to prolong the consent, to keep the door open for investors.
Earlier this month a research consultant phoned people in Goulburn and asked them about their attitudes about the project, which would tap into gas from the Moomba to Sydney pipeline.
An overhead map of the site. Photo: Energy Australia.
The consultant said only three neighbouring properties would be affected by the two peaking plants which would provide electricity for Sydney, Canberra and regional residents.
A spokesman for Energy Australia said the project had critical state significance infrastructure approval status.
“Currently, our team is undertaking technical and environmental assessments and working with local stakeholders to explore the feasibility of developing the facility,” he said in an email. He could not say who the stakeholders were.
Application for the reference group closes on 23 May and according to Energy Australia’s flyer, membership would involve three meetings this year to provide feedback and represent local interests.
More information about the project as well as contact details can be found on the Energy Australia website.
