He noted that the project which is subject to development approval by the NSW State Government has been the subject of extensive controversy in that shire and as a consequence discussions had been held with our Mayor (Cr Hart) about the possibility of Tallaganda Shire <> for the plant if the opposition in Eurobodalla Shire jeopardised the project. The Mayor had agreed and the developer (Australian Silicon Pty Ltd), the State Government and our Federal and State members had been advised of council's interest.

He added that the possibility of the plant being located in Tallaganda Shire is still remote because the preferred location for the plant is as close as possible to the timber resource [on the coast].

He felt, however, that a project involving $15 million in investment, annual expenditure of $9 million and in the order of 60 jobs was worth pursuing.

Mr Stewart was of the view that the environmental concerns expressed in Eurobodalla are based on ignorance, not facts.

He noted that the development has to be approved by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning with input from all the natural resource management agencies, and added that Tallaganda councillors would be aware, more than many others, of the stringent process applied by these agencies prior to conditions being determined and development approved.

He recommended that council support actions to encourage the establishment of Australian Silicon's charcoal plant in Tallaganda Shire.

Opening the discussion the Mayor Cr Hart welcomed the visitors [to the meeting] who had an interest in this project.

He said he had an open mind on the issue.

The positives would be 60 new jobs which would increase our population and in turn add to our economy, and encourage other industries to come to Tallaganda. The project would require that our major roads (Main Road 92 and the Kings Highway) to be upgraded and we may even pick up brownie points from the State Government for funding other developments.

The negatives have already been outlined in the debate on the plants effect on the environment.

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