The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has handed down its recommendation to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to approve the Plasrefine plastics recycling facility in Moss Vale. This decision comes despite significant community opposition and concerns, largely surrounding the project’s location and potential impact on the community and the environment.
The IPC will now hold a public hearing to consider both the Department’s recommendation and submissions from the community. This hearing is currently scheduled to be held online. However, I believe that the NSW Government must recognise the significance of this project and the need for all members of the community to have their voices heard. I have made strong representations today for the hearing to be held in person to ensure a method with greater accessibility and transparency.
At the time of release, a public meeting is scheduled online for 28 October at 9:00am for final submissions on consent for the development – those who wish to provide input, must register by midday 24 October via https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/public-meetings-and-hearings and written submissions must be submitted in by 5pm on 7 November via https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/make-a-submission-forms/moss-vale-plastics-recycling-facility
The Department’s role is to assess the project against relevant planning legislation and policies. Following their assessment, this morning, the Department has provided a recommendation to the IPC, an independent body responsible for making the final decision on whether to grant development consent. This recommendation is profoundly disappointing.
It appears to me that the considerable work undertaken by the community to raise legitimate concerns has been ignored. The Department received hundreds of submissions, the vast majority of which objected to the project.
These submissions highlighted concerns that remain unsolved by the department’s recommendation including:
- increased traffic congestion, particularly from heavy vehicles
- potential air and water pollution, including the release of microplastics
- noise and visual impacts on nearby residents
- the suitability of the site, which is located near residential areas and the sensitive Garvan facility which may be impacted by noise, vibrations and/or air emissions.
While the Department’s recommendation is a significant step in the process, it’s crucial to remember that the final decision rests with the IPC.
The upcoming public hearing will provide a vital opportunity for the community to continue to fight the development, continue to voice their concerns and to ensure that the IPC fully understands the potential impacts of this project.
I am urging any and all individuals, groups or businesses who are concerned about the project to participate in the hearing and make sure your voices are heard.
It is my hope that the IPC will give due consideration to the inappropriate location and hear the community’s concerns, and make a decision that prioritises the Moss Vale community – it is not the right site.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 