Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has spoken out against proposed NSW legislation designed to fast‑track the approval of renewable energy projects.
The State Government says the bill would streamline assessments for projects considered straightforward and essential, but Mr Layzell argues it would give Energy Minister Penny Sharpe excessive powers to declare developments as priority projects.
Mr Layzell says he is not opposed to renewable energy but believes the rollout should be paused and reviewed.
“I guess there’s always going to be a spin to say, oh, look, we’re just going to pick one out of the 12 projects,” he said.
“Well, I’m afraid to say, I don’t believe it.
“We are giving the minister a huge amount of power, something that I would expect to see in a dictatorship or a socialist country.”
Layzell says regional communities are already feeling the impact of large‑scale wind, solar and transmission projects, while decisions are being made by MPs who do not represent affected areas.
“Don’t forget that all these Labor members who are sitting there in Sydney saying renewables are the way to go…none of these people and members actually represent seats that are affected by this and that is a major problem,” he said.
“The city is not taking their weight of this renewable rollout and it’s about time we started getting the balance right.”
The legislation is expected to be debated in Parliament next week, with Labor holding the numbers to pass it in the lower house.
