Image: Members of the No More Incinerators Group campaigning against proposals. Photo: Facebook.
By ERIN MODARO
The community is celebrating after the controversial proposal for an incinerator in Matraville has been officially withdrawn last week. The proposal’s status on the NSW Planning portal has been changed to withdrawn after new environmental protection guidelines were introduced, prohibiting waste company Veolia from going ahead with plans.
The NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the regulations which prohibit the use of waste to energy technology within the Sydney basin, if more sustainable options are available, earlier in the year.
Randwick Council has been opposed to the plans since strong community push-back flagged concerns over noise and pollution if the incinerator were to go ahead.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said that he is “very pleased” that Veolia has withdrawn their proposal.
“Burning waste just metres from people’s homes to power a private business is just a bad idea. The community knew it from day one and I am very pleased the NSW Government has now acted to stop it from happening”.
Community efforts commended by Mayor
Cr Parker also congratulated the many community members and Matraville residents who fought to oppose the incinerator’s proposal.
“This is a win for people, it’s a win for common sense, and it sends a message that industry cannot trample over the environment and the community for their own benefit,” Cr Parker said.
A petition started by community group No More Incinerators gained massive traction, with over 20 000 supporters recorded. The petition highlights the environmental damage the proposal could have caused if it went ahead, saying that “emissions from the high temperature incineration of waste will produce a wide variety of toxic air pollutants”.
The No More Incinerators Eastern Suburbs Facebook page celebrated the official end to the saga.
“We already knew that Veolia’s ridiculous proposal was dead in the water, but it’s great to get the news officially!” one post read.
However, the group continues to campaign for other communities in which planned incinerators still may go ahead, such as Eastern Creek, Blacktown and Tarago.
