Arabic version: مجتمع يعبر عن معارضة قوية لمشروع تحويل النفايات إلى طاقة في تاراغو

A NSW parliamentary inquiry in Goulburn has heard unanimous opposition among community speakers to a proposed waste-to-energy plant at Tarago. According to ABC News, numerous speakers expressed concerns about environmental risks, agricultural impacts, and the credibility of current landfill operations at the Woodlawn site.

The $600 million Veolia proposal would lead to about 380,000 tonnes of Sydney’s non-recyclable waste burned each year, generating electricity for up to 40,000 homes. However, community members questioned the safety and reliability of the project, citing ongoing issues with the existing Woodlawn landfill. Resident Charlotte Payne detailed her family’s distress due to persistent odour problems, reporting over 40 occurrences to the EPA this year alone.

Local leaders, including Goulburn councillor Keith Smith, voiced concerns about regional communities bearing the burden of Sydney’s waste. Smith questioned why such infrastructure should be placed in Tarago if it is deemed safe, suggesting that Sydney should manage its own waste. Reverend Paul Davey echoed these sentiments, stating that there is “no social licence” for the proposal and criticizing the government for allowing waste incineration in regional areas while banning it in Sydney.

Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman emphasized that the proposal would shift long-term risks onto a small regional community, reflecting the majority opinion of her constituents against the plan. She also highlighted her previous opposition to the proposal during her tenure as a cabinet minister. Residents expressed anxiety about the potential health and environmental impacts, with local parent Thalia Sudumiano sharing her fears for her children’s well-being.

Following the hearing, Nicole Overall, the committee chair, noted the significant mental health impact on residents, stating that there was clear and universal non-support for the proposal. In defense of the project, Veolia maintained that the Woodlawn site operates under strict licensing conditions and is committed to addressing odour issues in collaboration with the NSW EPA and independent experts. The inquiry will continue to gather evidence before issuing a final report.