Port Kembla stack’s finally coming down

Dec. 18, 2013, 10 p.m.

A new demolition date for the stack has been set for early next year after the NSW planning department signed off on Port Kembla Copper's plans to bring it down.

A new demolition date for the stack has been set for early next year after the NSW planning department signed off on Port Kembla Copper's plans to bring it down.

PKC boss Ian Wilson announced on Wednesdaythe 198-metre chimney would fall on February 20, more than five months later than originally planned.

The Illawarra landmark's September removal was cancelled at the last minute due to community fears about remaining asbestos levels in the chimney, as well as air pollution and other risks associated with the demolition and evacuation plans.

GALLERY: Port Kembla stack in the frame

A revised proposal has now been approved by Planning NSW, after it was reviewed by a working group made up of the Environment Protection Authority, WorkCover, NSW Police and Wollongong City Council.

An independent industry expert had also verified the plans, NSW Planning said.

"Public submissions received during the exhibition were also carefully considered by the department and the working group and the plans were found to be comprehensive and appropriate - with public safety the paramount consideration," the department said.

Mr Wilson yesterday welcomed the green light, saying he hoped it would allay community fears and allow his company to finish off the project to clear the stack site.

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Port Kembla stack's finally coming down