The Green Triangle pellet mill will go ahead with Grant District Council approving the request to sell Hutchinson Road. Elected members opted to approve Mount Gambier Biomass – formerly Altus Renewables – request to acquire Hutchinson Road for $28,183. Source: Timberbiz, The Border Watch
The $120m renewable energy plant will produce upwards of 300,000 tonnes of industrial specification pellets each year and generate an estimated $64.1m for the local economy.
The mill will use FSC/PEFC certified logs and sawmill residues from nearby plantations and sawmills.
The plant is proposed for land along Hutchinson Road, adjacent to Mount Gambier Regional Airport with the plant to attract a number of B-double trucks during day-time and night time.
As part of the development, it was identified the intersection between the Riddoch Highway, Airport Road and Hutchinson Road would require realignment to minimise traffic impact.
Council previously entered agreements with Altus Renewables to approve the development however, in 2023, the company was placed into administration.
Earlier this year, Altus Renewables was purchased by Albioma and council was informed the project would proceed.
Mayor Kylie Boston said although the initial project received public backlash, it had since eased off.
“I guess there are a few phone calls when we have something in the agenda, but those decisions have to come through council,” Ms Boston said.
“Those approvals are done with the state government, and we then see it once it comes through and then it has to be administered.”
