Geelong council seeks power to block future waste incinerators

THE City of Greater Geelong has reaffirmed its opposition to the waste-to-energy facility proposed for Lara, resolving to continue advocating to the Victorian government for the project’s planning permit to be cancelled.

The notice of motion, introduced by You Yangs ward councillor Chris Burson at the council’s January 28 meeting, again raised concerns about the project’s proximity to residential areas and local schools, as well as its potential environmental impacts.

At present, the city has no decision-making authority in the future of the development, but Tuesday evening’s motion, which was unanimously adopted by the council, will now see the city seek changes to the state’s planning scheme to allow it to make the call on any future waste-to-energy proposals within the municipality’s boundaries.

 

 

“This is an issue that’s not just a Lara issue, it’s a City of Greater Geelong issue,” Cr Burson said.

“I would like to say that anything that’s going to be inside the city would be at least brought past us first, rather than just ambushed on us.”

The waste-to-energy facility, which would be run by Prospect Hill International (PHI), proposes to incinerate up to 400,000 tonnes of landfill-diverted waste, producing enough energy to power up to 50,000 homes.

PHI maintains that the facility’s potential health impacts would be “low to negligible” and any emissions from exhaust gases would be “well below the relevant standards”.

Despite being granted a development licence by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in December 2023, a growing number of politicians, local businesses and community groups have come together to oppose its development.

 

 

Cr Elise Wilkinson, who seconded the motion on Tuesday evening, said an environmental problem cannot be solved by creating another.

“Incineration is the most expensive way to manage waste and the least efficient way to make energy,” she said.

“This is a project with no local support, no business case and really an environmental disaster waiting to happen.”

Cr Anthony Aitken proposed an amendment to the motion, calling for the city to also develop a strategic policy position to waste incineration.

It was unanimously adopted by the council, along with Cr Burson’s original notice of motion.