Heath in call for park: Concern over future of Alcoa land

By John Van Klaveren
THE POSSIBLE closure of Alcoa in 2016 and sale of its Anglesea power station has led to a renewed push to protect the area’s pristine heath land.
Geelong Environment Council (GEC) president Joan Lindros said the heath would be left to the mercy of new owners if Alcoa sold its Angelsea power station.
The 6400 hectares that Alcoa did not require should be included in Great Otway National Park.
The Independent revealed in April that Alcoa planned to continue operating the station to generate power for the electricity grid even if the company closed its Pt Henry smelter.
Alcoa received a $40 million government bailout package in June, saving 540 jobs for at least two years.
Ms Lindros said GEC had written to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu urging them to save the unmined section of the heath.
Ms Lindros said the issue was urgent because Alcoa had given no guarantee it would remain in Geelong after the rescue funds ran out.
“There may be no way of stopping the power station being sold to the highest bidder or given a new lease of heath land, which could allow a greater area of coal to be mined.”
Alcoa received a renewed 50-year lease on 7000Ha of health land from State Government earlier this year.
“We strongly urge the area of the unique and irreplaceable Anglesea heath land not required by Alcoa be protected for all time by inclusion in the national park,” Ms Lindros said.
Alcoa should also donate its unmined heath land to the park as community compensation for its “substantial” power subsidy and the bailout.
Mr Burke told the Independent his department had yet to receive any referral for a proposed change to the coal mine operation.
“If Alcoa were to propose significant changes to the scale or intensity of these operations they would require approval under national environmental law. I am advised that the department has been in contact with Alcoa Ltd to inform them of their responsibilities.”
A spokesperson for the Premier said State Government was aware of the request.
Greens Senator Richard Di Natale said Anglesea’s heath was some of the most biodiverse land in the country.
“The Greens support incorporating the majority of the heath land currently leased to Alcoa but not used into the Great Otway National Park.”