Thursday, 31 July 2025

Kealba landfill

Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth) (09:51): I rise today to call on the EPA to explain their recent decision to withdraw criminal charges against Barro Group for their operations at Kealba landfill. As many would know, this is an issue that has been in the spotlight for many years now, since 2019. I do want to thank the EPA for their efforts during this period, but residents have been left shocked that the EPA this week withdrew criminal charges against the Barro Group. Under the Barro Group’s operation the Kealba landfill has been burning, as I said, since 2019, and this has seriously impacted residents. I have made representations to the Minister for Environment and also the EPA.

I call on the EPA to consult with residents and have a public meeting, in particular with Kealba residents, to ensure that they understand the decision and the reasons and are also, importantly, given an update on this very, very important matter. My neighbours and I and the community deserve answers in relation to this very important issue. I will continue to strongly advocate for a conclusion to this issue, where we can have Kealba in a safe and appropriate manner for all our residents. They deserve nothing but an explanation and a conclusion to this ongoing issue, which has affected my residents since 2019.