Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee
The development and expansion of waste-to-energy (WtE) infrastructure in Victoria
Referred (Terms of Reference)
The Committee will inquire into, consider and report on the development and expansion of waste-to-energy (WtE) infrastructure in Victoria including the suitability of existing WtE plans and policies, the impacts on residential communities and transport infrastructure, the cost benefit for consumers and businesses, how recycling and emissions are managed, other waste management options, new technologies that support a circular economy and the adequacy of community consultation.
Contact us
wastetoenergyinquiry@parliament.vic.gov.au
Write
Parliament of Victoria
Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee
Parliament House, Spring Street
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
Telephone
03 8682 2869
Terms of reference
The terms of reference are instructions which explain what a committee has been asked to do, what topics it should focus on, and how its members will work together to achieve its shared goals.
On 27 August 2025, the Legislative Council agreed to the following motion:
That this House requires the Economy and Infrastructure Committee to inquire into, consider and report, by August 2026, on the development and expansion of waste-to-energy (WtE) infrastructure in Victoria, including —
(1) the suitability of existing WtE infrastructure plans and policies, including –
(a) the impact of WtE projects on residential communities and transport infrastructure;
(b) annual caps on waste that can be used in thermal WtE processing;
(c) the regulatory framework to establish and manage WtE facilities;
(2) the impact of WtE, including from –
(a) separating recycling and organic material from WtE streams;
(b) nature and management of emissions, waste and ash byproducts;
(c) the cost-benefit of WtE generation to consumers and businesses;
(3) alternative waste management approaches and emerging technologies that also align with circular economy principles, having regard to the recommendations of the Environment and Planning Committee’s 2020 Inquiry into recycling and waste management and the role of WtE in the Victorian Government’s circular economy plan, including Victoria’s landfill management, capacity and strategy;
(4) the adequacy of community consultation; and
(5) any other related matters