RETAIL and hospitality businesses in Bombala will benefit from the announcement the multi-purpose wharf at Eden will be used to import wind turbine components.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s according to Eden-Monaro MP Mike Kelly, who says components for the 120-turbine Boco Rock wind farm will be transported up Imlay Rd, through Bombala, and on to the site 10km south of Nimmitabel.
Dr Kelly said Bombala businesses will benefit as truck drivers break there for refreshments.
Truck movements through Bombala are expected to cause minimal disruption and have been negotiated with the council and business community, he added.
The decision was also welcomed by Bombala Mayor Bob Stewart, who said the council was supportive of the proposal’s regional benefits.
“We were supportive of Mike Kelly lobbying to get that activity out of Eden for regional benefit,” Cr Stewart said.
“Our role is to be supportive of regional development and give our support to Eden.
“We’ve been there and we have to be part of the region and support the region.”
Cr Stewart said Bombala’s businesses would benefit from the delivery trucks stopping off in town, but their movement through town had a downside.
“It will be great if they do stop off and support the business houses for their breaks and so on.
“But there is a downside for us and that is we lose some parking spots near the Westpac Bank.
“We’ve got a couple of issues about the trucks getting around our roundabout, but we’re addressing it.
“The nature bed outside Westpac could have to be dismantled to an extent, but any changes or damage to the area is at the expense of the developer.
“There will be no cost to the council or the community.
“We also have to make sure they [the trucks] don’t come up when school bus routes are on.”
Cr Stewart said the business community was generally positive about the move and looking forward to the flow-on of benefits to the region.
Dr Kelly – who has been negotiating the arrangements for the past two years – said the first phase of imports would begin later this year and involve an estimated 10 ships and 800 truck movements.
Contractor Downer EDI was originally going to ship the components in through Port Kembla but, at the urging of Dr Kelly, the company explored the possibility of Eden.
After working with Downer EDI and all other stakeholders – including Wind Prospect, Sydney Ports, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Essential Energy, Customs and Quarantine, Bega Valley Shire Council and Bombala Shire Council – Dr Kelly recently confirmed Eden had been selected.