NSW Govt happy to consider alternative charcoal plant site

The New South Wales Government says it is prepared to consider another site for a controversial charcoal plant proposed for Mogo on the south coast.

The plant has been proposed to service a silicon smelter at Lithgow in the Blue Mountains.

Earlier this week, the Federal Member for Eden Monaro, Gary Nairn, said given public opposition to the development, an alternative site in the electorate should be considered.

A spokesman for the Premier's Department has now said the government is happy to consider an alternative site if Mr Nairn has one in mind.

Meanwhile, a meeting will be held today between the company behind the proposal, Australian Silicon, and the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning over the company's draft environmental impact study.

The draft has been released to the government, but the study is not expected to be ready for public release until later this month.

© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation