GREEN LIGHT FOR GREEN TRIANGLE PELLET MILL

Grant District Council in Mount Gambier has confirmed that the Green Triangle Pellet Mill will go ahead reportedly approving the request to sell Hutchinson Road.

According to Border Watch, elected members ‘opted to approve Mount Gambier Biomass – formerly Altus Renewables – request to acquire Hutchinson Road for $28,183’.

The $120m renewable energy plant will produce upwards of 300,000 tonnes of industrial specification pellets each year and generate an estimated $64.1m for the local economy.

The plant is proposed for land along Hutchinson Road, adjacent to Mount Gambier Regional Airport with the plant to attract a number of b-double trucks during daytime and night-time.

As part of the development, it was identified the intersection between the Riddoch Highway, Airport Road and Hutchinson Road would require realignment to minimise traffic impact.

Council previously entered agreements with Altus Renewables to approve the development however in 2023, the company was placed into administration.

Earlier this year, Altus Renewables was purchased by Albioma and council was informed the project would proceed.

Grant District Council acting chief executive officer Gary Button said council was now waiting to work with the operators in regards to the land acquisition of the road reserve and realignment.

“We need to get our documentation prepared and wait to be approached when they are ready to take that next step,” Mr Button said.

“The realignment has had some involvement with the Department of Infrastructure and council is now comfortable with that interception being offset as it is far safer than if it stayed as a crossroads.”

Mayor Kylie Boston said although the initial project received public backlash, it had since eased off.

“I guess there are a few phone calls when we have something in the agenda but those decisions have to come through council,” Ms Boston said.

“Those approvals are done with the state government and we then see it once it comes through and then it has to be administered.”

Source: Borderwatch