Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman, is urging local residents to continue speaking up against proposed waste‑to‑energy incinerators, including the facility proposed for Tarago, as part of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities.
This inquiry follows widespread community concern that almost one million tonnes of Sydney’s waste could be redirected to regional NSW each year, including approximately 380,000 tonnes to Tarago.
Mrs Tuckerman said the inquiry represents a critical opportunity for local voices to be heard.
“Regional NSW should not be treated as Sydney’s dumping ground,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“This inquiry – and the Committee’s visit to Goulburn – is our chance to make sure the concerns of our community are heard loud and clear.”
Select Committee Visiting Goulburn – Have Your Say
The NSW Legislative Council Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities will be visiting Goulburn on 14–15 May 2026 as part of its inquiry.
The visit will include:
- A site inspection
- A public forum
- A public hearing
Speak Directly to the Committee
📍 Goulburn Workers Club
🗓 Thursday, 14 May 2026
🕟 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
The public forum gives community members the opportunity to share their views directly with Committee members.
👉 Registration is required
Please register via the QR code on the promotional materials or using the following link:
Goulburn Public Forum Registration – Inquiry into Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities
Observe Proceedings
📍 Goulburn Workers Club
🗓 Friday, 15 May 2026
🕘 9:00 am – 1:30 pm (tentative)
Members of the public are welcome to attend the public hearing to observe proceedings.
The Committee is keen to hear directly from residents of Goulburn and surrounding communities on this important issue.
More information about the visit is available on the Committee’s website.
About the Parliamentary Inquiry
The inquiry will examine the safety, health, environmental, and social impacts of proposed waste‑to‑energy facilities at Tarago and Parkes, including:
- Whether the proposed technologies meet international best practice
- The spread and monitoring of emissions
- Potential health impacts, including impacts on drinking water, rainwater harvesting, and soil
- Risks to agriculture, including sheep, cattle, and crop production
- Long‑term impacts of waste dumping in Tarago
- Implications for the Parkes Special Activation Precinct
- Lessons from older incinerator technology compared with newer proposals
The inquiry will also consider broader issues to ensure regional communities are not unfairly burdened with Sydney’s waste.
Key Issues for Consideration
1. Technology Performance
Examine performance of technologies at Tarago and Parkes compared to “state of the art” facilities overseas.
- Waste-to-energy is promoted as “clean” but studies show PFAS and other harmful chemicals are not fully destroyed by incineration, contaminating air, water, and ash.
- Overseas examples are often in industrial zones, not prime farmland or water catchments like Tarago.
- If these facilities were safe, why are they banned or rejected in Western Sydney but allowed in regional towns?
2. Environmental and Health Impacts
Consider emissions standards, environmental impacts, and community health concerns.
- Air quality risks: Burning 380,000 tonnes annually at Tarago could release toxins into nearby communities.
- Water safety: Tarago sits within Sydney’s water catchment – contamination risks would affect both local residents and Sydney’s drinking supply.
- PFAS pollution: International evidence shows incineration does not reliably break down PFAS, leading to harmful by-products.
- Agriculture: Local farmers risk contamination of soil, livestock, and crops, threatening livelihoods and food safety.
3. Transport and Infrastructure
Review impacts of transporting large volumes of waste to regional sites.
- Almost a million tonnes of waste could be trucked/railed through NSW annually.
- Tarago already takes 40% of Sydney’s waste via landfill adding incineration to the ever worsening odour, noise, and spillage that is being produced by Veolia.
- More freight means more emissions, as well as rail/road wear, traffic accidents, and safety risks for regional towns.
4. Community Consultation and Social Licence
Examine adequacy of consultation with impacted communities.
- Residents in Tarago and Goulburn were never meaningfully consulted on the scale or risks of these projects.
- Past issues at Woodlawn landfill (odour, spills, EPA breaches) show trust has already been eroded from the company that is proposing to operate the incinerator.
- Locals deserve to know if it was fine for Western Sydney to reject these projects, why are regional communities treated differently?
5. Policy and Alternatives
Consider policy context, waste strategy, and alternatives.
- Sydney’s waste, Sydney’s responsibility – waste should be managed near where it’s produced, not shifted where you can’t see the problems.
- Incineration undermines recycling and contradicts NSW’s circular economy goals.
- Better alternatives exist:
- Plastics plan with mandatory recycled content,
- Ban unnecessary single-use packaging,
- Improve recycling and food/green waste recovery,
- Ensure packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
6. Equity and Fairness
Ensure regional communities are not unfairly burdened.
- Tarago already bears more than its share with the Woodlawn landfill.
- Forcing Sydney’s waste on regional NSW is a double standard that treats country towns as dumping grounds.
- Any waste strategy must guarantee no community is sacrificed for the city’s comfort.
