Incinerator approved: Opponents vow to keep fighting

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a controversial waste-to-energy incinerator proposed for Lara, granting Prospect Hill International (PHI) a development license.

Designed to process 400,000 tonnes of waste destined for landfill each year, the facility has been estimated to generate enough electricity for up to 50,000 homes.

Several conditions have been placed on the facility’s development, including requirements for PHI to secure EPA approval and verification from an independent environmental auditor at various stages of the project, publicly report emission results and implement management controls for noise, odour and residual waste.

Con Lolis, EPA director of permissioning and development, said the licence had been granted because it had been determined that the facility “will meet the most stringent international standards and presents low and acceptable risk to human health and the environment”.

“EPA will continue to regulate the site throughout the design, construction and commissioning phases to ensure the company meets all environmental performance requirements, keeps the community informed and complies with the conditions of the development licence.

“If the company fails to do so, the project will cease.”

Angela Carr, one of the lead opponents to the waste-to-energy incinerator, said the decision was “extremely disappointing”.

“We’re angry. We don’t want Lara and the Geelong region to become the dumping ground for waste in the state.

“[The EPA] are saying they’re going to monitor this along the way, but we don’t have very much faith in the EPA given their decision.”

Ms Carr, along with the members of the Say No to Lara Big Incinerator campaign, are now planning their next steps to determine if they will lodge an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“As a group we know we have a big fight ahead of us, but we are more than willing, and we have a lot of energy to take this on,” Ms Carr said.

“This is not a good move for our region, and we are worried about the health and safety of children, young people, elderly people in our community, so we will keep fighting.”

Final approval for the waste-to-energy incinerator now rests with the Victorian government and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.

Greens MP for Western Victoria, Sarah Mansfield, has blasted the EPA’s decision, citing greenhouse gas emissions and the possibility of negative health outcomes, including respiratory issues and cancer risks.

She, along with the Victorian Greens, have calling on the state government to halt the facility.

“With the flick of a pen Labor could put an end to this disastrous project,” Dr Mansfield said.

“For decades successive governments have neglected waste and recycling, and now they want to burn the problem and leave the regions to deal with the mess.

“It’s inevitable that these incinerators will end up burning recyclables, plastic and organic waste because there is no commitment from these companies that they will separate the waste they receive.

“Our planet and people deserve better than short-sighted waste management solutions.”

Dr Mansfield will table a petition signed by more than 2000 community members opposing the facility when parliament returns next year.