2023-12-06
The Victorian Greens have called on the Victorian Labor Government to step in and halt a proposed waste incinerator earmarked for Lara, after it was given a green light by the state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) today.
The Greens say the EPA’s decision to approve the large-scale waste incinerator flies in the face of evidence that waste incineration is harmful to both the climate and the health of local communities.
Victorian Greens MP for Western Victoria, Dr Sarah Mansfield, said waste incineration undermined climate action by producing large volumes of greenhouse gas emissions.
She added that the air pollution caused by waste incineration can also release dioxins and other toxins that could lead to negative health outcomes for nearby communities including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and cancer risks.
With EPA approval, the proposal for an incinerator in Lara now awaits final approval by Labor.
The Greens have said if Labor is serious about protecting the climate and local communities, they will put a halt to it once and for all.
In November, more than 2,000 community members signed a petition objecting to the proposal, which Dr Mansfield will table when Parliament returns.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens MP for Western Victoria, Dr Sarah Mansfield:
“With the flick of a pen Labor could put an end to this disastrous project.
“For decades successive governments have neglected waste and recycling, and now they want to burn the problem and leave the regions to deal with the mess.
“It’s inevitable that these incinerators will end up burning recyclables, plastic and organic waste because there is no commitment from these companies that they will separate the waste they receive.
“Local councils could be locked into long-term contracts to deliver a consistent, high volume waste stream to the incinerator.
“This creates a clear disincentive for councils to reduce waste levels and undermines efforts to increase recycling and composting and reduce plastic use.
"Our planet and people deserve better than short-sighted waste management solutions."