Wednesday, 5 March 2025

 Ella GEORGE (Lara) (10:01): I have previously spoken in the house regarding the deeply concerning proposal by Prospect Hill International for a waste-to-energy facility in Lara. This facility plans to process an alarming 400,000 tonnes of residual municipal solid waste alongside commercial and industrial waste every single year. Its proposed location is 350 metres away from the nearest home and just over a kilometre away from the Lara town centre. The sheer number of objections, thousands submitted by community members, emphasise the widespread public concern surrounding this project. I want to be clear: I hear the community’s concerns, and I stand with them in opposition to the big incinerator. Local businesses and organisations have also strongly voiced their objections. It is worth noting that the Committee for Geelong and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce do not endorse this project. The City of Greater Geelong has voiced its opposition to the proposal and confirmed that it will not engage this facility for waste management. These objections are not simply a case of ‘not in my backyard’; they reflect a significant understanding from right across the community that this proposal is utterly unsuited for its proposed location. The proponents have consistently failed to provide adequate information to address concerns raised about the impact of a big incinerator on the local environment, the health of nearby residents and safety issues. The community are actively and tirelessly working to make their voices heard, and I will continue to stand alongside them in opposition to the big incinerator. Once again I thank local residents, who are leading this fight.