Council
11 March, 2026
Gas-fired power station at Dalton will not proceed: AGL
Energy company AGL has stated that it will not proceed with it’s proposed gas power station at Dalton, near Gunning.
Energy company AGL has stated that it will not proceed with it’s proposed gas power station at Dalton, near Gunning.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council expressed concerns about engagement with the community about the proposal at an extraordinary meeting back in early February.
At the time Councillors John Searl, Simon Pierce and Deputy Mayor Robert Cameron had called the meeting and asked them to ‘engage meaningfully with the local community and to address the Dalton community’s request for open and transparent consultation via a public meeting’.
The site that AGL was proposing was to be located at 402 Walsh’s Rd, approximately 4.5kms north of Dalton.
Also, a previous consent was issued for the power station in 2010, but had since lapsed.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council were also of the belief that the proposal would be classified as a State Significant Development (SSD), based on the nature of the works.
AGL had at that stage already commenced seeking community feedback in relation to the proposal.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman expressed her delight at the decision by AGL to knock back the proposal.
“I’m pleased to share some positive news for our community,” Mrs. Tuckerman said.
“AGL has advised that it will not proceed with the proposed gas power station at Dalton.
“The company has advised me that this decision comes directly in response to community feedback over recent weeks, particularly the strong calls for AGL to consider alternative sites.
“AGL has confirmed that while gas powered generation will continue to play a role in meeting NSW’s peak electricity demand, they will now be reviewing other potential locations before deciding on the next steps. They’ve also committed to updating me on future plans for the AGL owned land at Dalton once that assessment is complete.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to contact my office and share their views - this outcome shows how powerful community voices can be.
“AGL will be advising the community over the coming weeks through email and direct mail.
Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor Paul Culhane was also pleased with the decision.
“This morning (Monday) I was given an update by an executive of AGL on the proposed Gas power station at Dalton,” he said.
“AGL have decided to pause all work on the assessment of a gas power station project at Dalton, and instead seek to explore alternative locations elsewhere in NSW. Once complete, AGL will be back in contact with the next steps for the project and plans for AGL- owned land in Dalton.
“Over the past few months our councillors have listened to residents on this proposed project and have tried to help facilitate communication with AGL and conveyed their very clear sentiments.
“AGL are communicating this message directly to anyone (members of the public) who they have had contact with about the project in the next 48 hours as well as sending out general communications.
“AGL confirmed this decision follows an internal review assessing feedback they had received from community members recently and over the long history of this proposal.
“AGL advised that the Gas-powered electricity generation remains a part of AGL’s plans to provide base load power at times of peak demand when wind, solar or hydro power cannot provide enough electricity to meet demand.”
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