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ABC News
10-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Snowy Hydro apologises for burning diesel smell from Kurri Kurri power plant
A controversial Hunter Valley power station has caused a stink in its community, with the operator apologising for a pungent smell of fuel in the air. Snowy Hydro's plant at Kurri Kurri, which has just started its testing phase, is designed to run on gas, but can also be powered by diesel as a backup source. CEO Dennis Barnes said in the past week, testing took place on one of two turbines, which included testing it on diesel. "That caused some emissions and some odour, which we're deeply regretful for," he told ABC Newcastle Breakfast. "We weren't expecting it, and therefore we've stopped [testing]." Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke coming from the plant, while others more than 30 kilometres away in Newcastle reported the smell. Resident Marlie Forde said when she first noticed the smell, she thought it was a failing electrical appliance in her home. "It was just eye-watering, I've never smelt anything that bad," he said. "Even with all the windows shut, it just made me feel really sick and nauseous." Mr Barnes said the company was working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in its investigations. "At the plant itself, the emissions were within our environmental limits, but that doesn't make any difference to the local community when they're smelling and seeing smoke," he said. Environmental advocate and former local Greens candidate Janet Murray has campaigned against the plant since it was first announced. "I heard the guy from Snowy Hydro saying that emissions were within their allowable limits," she told ABC Newcastle Mornings. "If that's allowable, that is ridiculous." In a statement, an EPA spokesperson said the plant was required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during any testing in the commissioning phase. "Before commissioning works recommence, we will review Snowy Hydro's updated commissioning plan and discuss additional control measures," the statement read. "Our investigation into the recent emissions and odours is continuing, including checking whether the station's emissions limits have been breached." Ms Murray said communication from Snowy Hydro about the testing has been "woeful". "I have a friend who lives very close to the plant and he was given no advice whatsoever," she said. Mr Barnes conceded the company could have communicated with the wider Hunter region better. "We did do local communications and our near neighbours, but I think we've stuffed up by not going more broadly on social media and on the radio to warn people that we were doing this," he said. He said commissioning phase testing has stopped, but will eventually need to resume. "We'll figure out how we do that without impact between now and when that happens," he said. 'Until we can do that, we won't test it." The plant is designed to bridge electricity supply in times of peak demand, with the former Morrison government commissioning it to cover the gap as coal-fired power stations wind down and more renewable generators are developed.
The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Gas plant that caused stink in parts of the Hunter to stay off this week
TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said. TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said. TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said. TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said.
The Australian
30-06-2025
- The Australian
Onlooker killed after man allegedly hit three people while performing burnout
An onlooker has been killed after a man allegedly hit three people while doing burnouts. A 22-year-old man has been slapped with a string of charges after allegedly performing burnouts at a fire trail in Stockrington, about 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight on Sunday. Police allege the man hit three onlookers while performing a burnout and then drove away from the scene. A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died shortly afterwards. An onlooker has been killed after a man allegedly hit three people while doing burnouts. Picture: Google Maps. Two women were also hit, however left the scene before emergency services arrived. The car believed to be involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Rd in Chisolm about 2.40am. It has been seized by police for forensic examination. The 22-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, two counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor behicle, negligent driving (occasioning death), negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), prolong, sustain etc loss of traction, and fail to comply with requirement made under section. He was refused bail and is due to front Parramatta Local Court on Monday. Clareese Packer Reporter Clareese is a Court Reporter at NewsWire. She previously covered breaking news for the outlet after completing the 2023 NewsCorp cadet program, where she worked at The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, the National News Network and NewsWire. Clareese Packer
News.com.au
29-06-2025
- News.com.au
Man dead, two others hit after alleged burnout went wrong
An onlooker has been killed after a man allegedly hit three people while doing burnouts. A 22-year-old man has been slapped with a string of charges after allegedly performing burnouts at a fire trail in Stockrington, about 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight on Sunday. Police allege the man hit three onlookers while performing a burnout and then drove away from the scene. A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died shortly afterwards. Two women were also hit, however left the scene before emergency services arrived. The car believed to be involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Rd in Chisolm about 2.40am. It has been seized by police for forensic examination. The 22-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, two counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor behicle, negligent driving (occasioning death), negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), prolong, sustain etc loss of traction, and fail to comply with requirement made under section. He was refused bail and is due to front Parramatta Local Court on Monday.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Burnout ends in tragedy as one man is killed and two others are injured during a late-night street meet
A car has ploughed into three people, killing one, after burnout stunt in the NSW Hunter Valley went horribly wrong. Emergency services were called to a crash on a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington, about 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, just after 12am on Sunday. Officers arrived at the scene and were told a modified Ford Fairmont sedan was performing a burnout when it hit three people. A 53-year-old man was among those hit by the car and suffered critical head injuries. He died a short time later. Two women were also injured in the incident, but left the scene before emergency services arrived. The car was driven from the scene, following the crash, and allegedly found burnt-out less than three hours later about 2.40am on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm. Police have seized the vehicle, which will now undergo forensic examination. A crime scene has been established at both locations and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident. Following extensive inquiries, a 22-year-old man was arrested about 5.30pm yesterday at Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with several offences, including dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous; two counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motor vehicle; negligent driving occasioning death; negligent driving not involving death or grievous bodily harm; prolonging or sustaining loss of traction; and failing to comply with a requirement made under section. Detectives have also asked anyone who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision relevant to the investigation to come forward. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
