The Board of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by Cement Australia Pty Ltd for the Alternate Fuels Project at the Railton Cement Works in Kentish municipality.
The proposal involves upgrading the existing Cement Works facility at 101 Cement Works Road, Railton, to improve the kiln system and enable the partial replacement of coal with alternative fuels, being Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF) and biomass fuel. The replacement of coal with these alternative fuels is projected to reduce the facility's Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 12 per cent.
Public consultation was open for 33 days from 20 December 2025, during which seven representations were received. Key issues raised included concerns about air pollutant emissions, noise from site operations, and vehicle movements.
The Board determined that while the proposal would deliver an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and dust generated at the site, further action is required in relation to existing nitrogen dioxide emissions. Conditions were imposed requiring Cement Australia to immediately comply with a more stringent nitrogen dioxide emission limit. A further condition requires the preparation of a Nitrogen Emissions Reduction Plan to drive additional reductions and align with national standards. Air emissions monitoring will also be required across the facility and within Railton under the new permit conditions.
The proposal is not expected to increase the site's overall noise emissions. However, the Board determined that more should be done to address existing noise impacts. A suite of noise-related conditions have been imposed, including a requirement for Cement Australia to prepare a Noise Reduction Plan to reduce site noise and minimise potential impacts on nearby residential areas. Conditions have also been imposed on construction operating hours and new vehicle movements associated with the proposal, limiting these activities to between 7am and 6pm to reduce the risk of nuisance.
“The Board has determined that this proposal can proceed with strict conditions that protect both the environment and the Railton community," the Chair of the EPA Board said.
“While the project offers meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and dust, we have also required stronger controls on nitrogen dioxide emissions, noise management and operating hours. Our decision reflects the importance of supporting industry transition while ensuring environmental standards are strengthened and community impacts are carefully managed."
The Board has considered the relevant issues and determined that the proposal can be managed in an environmentally sustainable manner, with conditions imposed. The assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Principles in section 74 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
This decision and all assessment documents can be viewed on the EPA website at Cement Australia Pty Ltd, Alternate Fuels Project, Railton Cement Works | EPA Tasmania.
ENDS.
Published on:
24/04/2026