Thursday, 31 July 2025

Lara waste-to-energy facility

Ella GEORGE (Lara) (10:03): Once again I rise to speak to the house with a deep sense of urgency regarding the proposed Lara incinerator. Let me put this on the record: Lara is not the dumping ground for Melbourne’s waste. For years now the Lara community has been fighting against the bit incinerator, and I am so proud to stand with them every step of the way. Since I was elected in November 2022 I have spoken to hundreds of residents about the Lara incinerator, and not one person supports it – not one.

This is not opposition for opposition’s sake. We have serious and legitimate concerns about this project. This project is only 350 metres away from the nearest home. No family deserves to have a giant incinerator built over their back fence. The chimney will be 80 metres tall and dominate the beautiful skyline of Lara. This project has been shrouded in secrecy, and legitimate questions about the potential health and environmental impacts remain unanswered. This project has no social licence. Like I said, I have not spoken to a single local resident who supports this or thinks a big incinerator is a good idea for the Lara community. As members of Parliament, we must listen to the voices of those we represent. The Lara community and I stand united against this reckless proposal. Lara is not a dumping ground for Melbourne’s waste, and I will keep standing up for Lara. I am so proud to be the member for Lara, and I am so proud to welcome members from Lara Secondary here today.