City of Whittlesea opposes Cleanaway’s waste facility proposal

Published on 19 December 2024

The City of Whittlesea Council has opposed Cleanaway Operations Pty Ltd’s proposed Advanced Waste Processing Facility in Wollert.

At its meeting on 17 December, Council resolved to endorse the officer submission to the Department of Transport and Planning and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) which urges the Victorian Government to reject the proposal in its role as decision-maker. The CEO will also write to the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Environment to advocate against the proposal.

Council’s decision reflects concerns about the facility’s potential impact on local amenities, human health, the environment, traffic, and the surrounding community. Additional issues include the proximity to residential areas and the facility’s misalignment with state and local planning frameworks.

Cleanaway has lodged two applications for the facility: a planning permit application with the Department of Transport and Planning in May 2023 and a development license application with the EPA in February 2024.

The proposed Waste-to-Energy Facility would process waste to produce energy for offsite use, involving the combustion, treatment, or bio-reaction of waste. While the project aims to reduce reliance on landfill and generate energy, Council raised significant concerns about traffic impacts, potential odour and air emissions, visual impacts, and broader community and environmental effects.

Community consultation conducted by the Department of Transport and Planning and the EPA has highlighted community submissions that raise concerns over air quality, odour emissions, and potential health impacts.

The City of Whittlesea remains committed to working with stakeholders, including the EPA, Cleanaway, and residents, to develop sustainable waste management strategies that uphold the highest environmental standards and meet community expectations.

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Aidan McLindon:

"While the City of Whittlesea supports innovative waste solutions, we cannot endorse a project that raises unresolved concerns about its impact on residents and the environment.

“We owe it to our community to advocate for sustainable practices that align with their needs and expectations."