News
23 May, 2026
Large turnout for gas plant hearing
Close to 200 people surrounded the representatives from the Land and Environment Court for the hearing about the proposed gas plant attached to the data centre at 30 Douglas Rd yesterday morning.
Close to 200 people surrounded the representatives from the Land and Environment Court for the hearing about the proposed gas plant attached to the data centre at 30 Douglas Rd this morning.
Although hearing what was said was a challenge for the crowd due to the lack of a working public address system, the crowd huddled around as close as they could to listen to three community respondents give their speeches on their opposition to the proposal and the reasons why they opposed it.
Councillor Heather Champion was also present and was amazed by the support from the community against the proposal and at the amount of people that turned up to hear the speakers.
“I had an estimate from some members of the crowd here today that we had 200 people from the community, which just doubled our expectations if I’m honest,” she told The Southern Wire.
“I think that really reflects the concern from the community around what is planned here and our determination to act really early on and send a clear message that this isn’t what we want for the Highlands.”
Ms. Champion was also impressed with the three speakers who gave their evidence to the hearing.
“The three speakers spoke very clearly and with a lot of evidence about how this is inconsistent with expectations for the Highlands,” she said.
“And also, the damage this proposal will cause to the environment, to homes, to the night sky, to agriculture and more.
“There was a lot of detail in there and it was very impressive how people spoke.
“The community have been paying close attention to this proposal, and the reason why they were able to speak was because they had put in submissions so early on and I’m so grateful for their showing up today.”
Community member Jessica Ryall was also present at the hearing and gave her thoughts on the proceedings.
“It’s early days for 30 Douglas Rd, and no one knows the full details of the final masterplan for the site,” she told The Southern Wire.
“I am so proud of the community for reacting early and sending such a strong message at the conciliation conference for SQE2 (the 16MW gas fired power plant).
“Regardless of what happens with the negotiations behind closed doors today, we must continue to do what can to protect our lifestyle and the water and air of our shire.”
Read More: Moss Vale, Southern Highlands