IN NSW, the recovery of energy from the thermal treatment of waste is prohibited, unless a facility is located in a designated Energy from Waste precinct.
Under a proposed change to the NSW Energy from Waste framework by the Environmental Protection Authority, Tomago could become one such precinct.
Port Stephens Council (PSC), however, has reported a lack of communication from the State Government about the process, leaving councillors and the community questioning specifics.
“I’ve had enough of waiting around,” said Mayor Leah Anderson, who has made many unsuccessful attempts to receive further information.
“We know practically nothing about Energy from Waste; we know that Tomago is proposed.”
Mayor Anderson is particularly concerned about how the community consultation process will be conducted.
“This inquiry into Energy from Waste has been going on for some time,” she said.
“There’s well over 250 submissions, and multiple questions have been asked of the other communities that have been selected. We are well within our rights to be asking questions.
“I think it’s very important that we keep pushing forward to get this information out there and let our community know what’s being proposed.”
Council unanimously voted in favour of requesting a briefing from the relevant NSW minister to outline the proposed benefits and risk of a potential waste facility, as well as a comprehensive plan of community consultation.
An amendment introduced by Cr Mark Watson also called for a meeting to be scheduled once the findings of the NSW Upper House Inquiry into Energy from Waste projects are released, allowing councillors to review the results and decide accordingly.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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