NSW coal on hold Only a quarter of order has been burned

THE bulk of coal purchased from the Eastern States in the last three months remains unused.

This was revealed in State Parliament last week when the Parliamentary Secretary, representing Energy Minister Bill Johnston, advised that less than a quarter of the coal has been burned at state-run power stations.

He was responding to questions from Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas.

As at Monday, March 13, a total of

24,681 tonnes of Newcastle coal had been blended with local coal and burned at the power stations.

Parliament was told a total of 101,128 tonnes had been imported, meaning 76,447 tonnes is still stockpiled and waiting to be blended with Collie coal in preparation for burning.

“At this rate it will take most of this year to blend and burn the coal,” said Mr Thomas yesterday.

Industry insiders have also expressed