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In its response, the city said the questions should be directed to the state government’s responsible authority, the Department of Transport and Planning.<\/p>\n
PHI indicates it needs 320,000 tonnes a year for the incinerator to be viable, and would source up to 220,000 tonnes from Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Geelong Sustainability has also opposed the project since it was first released publicly in 2021.<\/p>\n
It has called for PHI to undergo a rigorous Environmental Effects Statement to assess its potential impacts to Lara and its surrounds.<\/p>\n
The local group also rejects the waste-to-energy method as being environmentally-friendly, saying it would destroy reusable waste and hinder efforts towards circular waste economies.<\/p>\n
Objectors have also questioned the need for the facility as local and state governments are pursuing recycling and zero-waste initiatives intended to minimise waste sent to landfill.<\/p>\n
Former Geelong Sustainability president and ongoing volunteer Vicki Perrett lodged petition to State Parliament against the plan that has attracted 500 signatures.<\/p>\n
In its submission to state authorities, PHI argues millions of tonnes of waste still going to landfill will mean planned reduction initiatives will fail to keep pace with population growth.<\/p>\n
“Despite increases in recycling rates, waste management remains a major challenge in Victoria.<\/p>\n
“Additional rationale for the project includes the future of landfills in Victoria which are expected to close in the near future.”<\/p>\n
Environmental Protection Authority Victoria closed a final comment period on July 13, and has indicated it will make decision on the project mid-this year.<\/p>\n
Monday’s community opposition event will be held at at Lara Golf Club from 7-8.30pm<\/p>\n
Public health researcher Dr Peter Tait will be the event’s guest speaker, and organisers expect local and state politicians to attend.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ENVIRONMENTAL advocates are ramping up their opposition to a waste-to-energy incinerator planned for Lara as the state government mulls a final decision on approval of the project. Geelong Sustainability has helped organise a community event opposing the plan in Lara on Monday, August 21, that will invite discussion and questions on the proposal. Prospect Hill […]<\/p>\n