Community
31 August, 2026
Urgent action needed in fight against Moss Vale gas plant
Stop the Gas Plant Southern Highlands is urging people to take urgent action to help stop a proposed gas plant in Moss Vale which they say will impact the climate, energy, the environment and community health.
Stop the Gas Plant Southern Highlands is urging people to take urgent action to help stop a proposed gas plant in Moss Vale which they say will impact the climate, energy, the environment and community health.
Wingecarribee Shire Council has already approved a small 14MW gas plant to power the data centre in Douglas Road but an application for a second 16MW plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) is currently being assessed by the Land and Environment Court. Submissions on the proposal will close on Monday, August 31. Local residents wanting to lodge an objection can learn more by visiting https://stopthegasplant.com/submissions/how-to-submit
“This is an important opportunity to put on the public record why the community does not support gas-fired infrastructure being established in the Southern Highlands,” a spokesperson said.
“Preventing this early component of Cloud Carrier's plans from going ahead could help stop the whole thing.
“Please put this in your own words. You can explain what concerns you about the gas plant, why you believe it is inappropriate, and what you want the Court to do. It doesn't have to be perfect, just clear.” The State Government is currently assessing an application for a much larger 673.2MW gas plant on the same site.
Combined, the three plants at 703MW would be one of the largest Australia.
Local residents are also being encouraged to send a strong message to the Federal Government on why Australia needs a moratorium on new data centres – and why the Moss Vale proposal is unacceptable by making a submission to the Federal Parliament Inquiry into AI and Data Centres. Submissions to the inquiry will close on September 1.
Last week Wingecarribee Shire Council unanimously passed a motion from Cr Heather Champion calling on the Federal Government to introduce a moratorium on new data centre approvals.
The motion also called for a public benefit test for all data centres and for data centres to be prohibited from enabling new or expanded fossil fuel generation.
“This is an important advocacy win and shows that councillors have heard us. Thank you to all councillors who supported the unanimous motion.
“But we need to be clear: Council is not the decision-maker for the proposed massive gas plant, and this motion does not stop or reject the project.
“The NSW Government will decide whether the proposal can proceed.
“Council's motion is a public statement of support for stronger safeguards and a moratorium, and an advocacy step directed to the Federal Government.” For more information visit www.stopthegasplant.com
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