Wait goes on for Lara waste-to-energy project decision

THE wait continues on a proposal for an incinerator and generator project in Lara, with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria yet to make a final decision.

Prospect Hill International wants to build a waste-to-energy plant at 64-200 McManus Road, capable of processing about 400,000 tonnes of waste per year and generating 35 megawatts of electricity.

Proponents say the facility would only take residual waste destined for landfill and its output would be enough to power as many as 50,000 homes, but opponents have concerns about the health and environmental implications for Lara and the surrounding suburbs.

The project was first lodged in early 2021 and the latest round of public feedback closed in July of this year, with the Engage Victoria website stating the EPA was expected to make its final decision in mid-2023.

Angela Carr, one of the lead opponents of the waste-to-energy proposal, said a small group were invited inside to discuss the project with EPA officers after a protest outside the EPA’s office in North Geelong.

She said the group was told at that discussion that EPA Victoria would make its decision on November 10, but this had not happened.

“They did say they were waiting for the health effects statement; that’s what they told us.

“However, I don’t know what’s happening now.

“Maybe they’re digging a little deeper and actually considering it, because at that meeting, it did sound like they’d already made their decision to pass it, to be honest.”

She said if and when EPA Victoria did approve the facility, she and other opponents would have 15 days to lodge an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

“We’re hoping to get an environmental justice lawyer on board, but it could be quite costly if we can’t get an exemption.”

Ms Carr said she had heard suggestions Prospect Hill International may lodge a VCAT appeal of its own if EPA Victoria rejected the application.

On Tuesday this week, an EPA Victoria spokesperson said the authority had no updates on when it would make a decision.