IPL Kooragang

Members of the recently established Incitec Pivot Limited – Community Liaison Group (IPL – CLG) have met for the first time in Stockton on Tuesday 6 March, 2012.

As part of IPL’s ongoing commitment to community consultation, the group was formed to provide community representatives the opportunity to increase their understanding of IPL’s proposal to construct an ammonium nitrate plant on Kooragang Island and to raise concerns and feedback directly, on behalf of the community, with IPL management.

Recent local ABC radio (1233) and website coverage of Incitec Pivot Limited’s ( IPL) feasibility study into building a world class ‘ammonium nitrate’ plant on its existing Kooragang Island industrial site referred to the proposal as an ‘ammonium plant’.

IPL’s proposed facility does not include an ammonia manufacturing operation; ammonia will be imported on-site via ship, and converted into ammonium nitrate.

ABC also reported on IPL’s Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA), which included that the ‘Hunter River will act as a natural barrier to mitigate any ill effects on Stockton”. Local residents have raised valid concerns regarding IPL’s PEA statement on the Hunter River acting as a natural barrier following recent events at Kooragang Island.

Director General’s Requirements (DGRs) have been issued for IPL’s proposed ammonium nitrate/nitric acid plant on Kooragang Island. Prepared by the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with relevant government agencies, the DRGs outline the key requirements and issues that IPL must address in its Environmental Impact Statement. One such key requirement is to assess the potential hazards and risks, including the cumulative risks, associated with the proposed development.

The DGRs are available to download by clicking on the library tab and selecting Director General’s Requirements.

Throughout the feasibility stage, IPL will keep the community and key stakeholders informed through a regular supply of Project specific documents and updates.  By accessing the 'library' section of the site, people can currently download:

• Factsheet
• Community letter
• Preliminary Environmental Assessment
• Copy of Brendan O'Reilly's report

Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) has announced a feasibility study into the construction of a world class ammonium nitrate plant at its existing Kooragang Island industrial site.

Demand for ammonium nitrate and liquid fertilisers within mining and agricultural sectors is growing rapidly in the Hunter Valley and it's expected the plant would create an estimated 300 jobs and inject $100 million into the local Newcastle economy during construction.