Protecting our residents’ wellbeing

I AM proud that my fellow councillors voted unanimously against the Lara waste-to-energy incinerator proposal at our January meeting.

At the meeting I put forth a notice of motion to reiterate our opposition to the incinerator, which the EPA has approved for construction on McManus Road.

The 80-metre-high building would sit within close proximity to schools, preschools and as close as 350 metres to homes, posing potential significant health and environmental risks to the area.

When I was elected to council, I was aware that the Lara incinerator proposal was a major concern for You Yangs ward.

I pledged to consult with the community on the topic, and in doing so I found that nobody in Lara or Greater Geelong appeared to be in favour of having the waste-to-energy plant constructed in the area.

I spoke to many people in Lara who had grave concerns about the proposal.

Some came to me and asked whether they needed to sell their houses. People who work in the general vicinity were concerned about how it might impact the air quality.

Concerns came from fisheries about how it could impact the water in the region, while others raised fears about whether they could continue to grow vegetables in their gardens, let alone farm in the area.

The incinerator posed a range of threats to the community, which cited concerns for health and safety, as well its impact on the beautiful environment surrounding Lara.

Nobody in Greater Geelong should be made to fear for their quality of life when proposals like these are put forth.

I want to thank the Lara community, Say NO to the Lara Big Incinerator, Committee for Geelong and Geelong Sustainability for their significant input and tireless lobbying against this proposal.

It’s clear that the Lara community stands strong when it comes to protecting its township and environment.

One thing I love about You Yangs is its natural surrounds. I’m privileged to live in a ward that boasts such diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

We are fortunate to have natural havens on our doorstep, with You Yangs Regional Park, Serendip Sanctuary and the Brisbane Ranges National Park.

The City shares the belief that these natural assets need to be protected, and I’m encouraged to see a unanimous stance being taken on proposals like the incinerator.

Prior to the January council meeting, the City had no authority on the proposal beyond providing advice and feedback in relation to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

Following the vote of opposition, we have committed to continuing our advocacy against the incinerator and will seek changes to the Planning Scheme so Council has more authority on similar proposals in future.

We don’t want residents anywhere in our region to live with the same fears that the Lara community have harboured since the incinerator’s proposal was brought forward in 2023.

We look forward to continuing to advocate for our residents’ wellbeing and against any future proposals in Greater Geelong that could impact this.

Cr Chris Burson

You Yangs Ward,

City of Greater Geelong