Council Disappointed Over Recommended Approval for Plastics Recycling

Wingecarribee Shire Council has expressed its disappointment following the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) recommended approval of the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility, also known as Plasrefine, on Friday 11 October, 2024.   

The Plasrefine proposal is a State Significant Development Application (SSD) due to its proposed land use and investment size. Given the substantial number of public submissions opposing the proposal and Council's formal objection, the final decision now lies with the NSW Independent Planning Commission. 

At the Council Meeting held on 15 November 2023, Council formally rejected the Plasrefine proposal due to its inappropriate location, excessive truck traffic and potential long-term environmental harm. 

Wingecarribee Shire Council is committed to protecting the environment and values the sustainable management of resources. While Council is not opposed to the concept of a plastics recycling facility, the recommendation undermines the critical strategic work undertaken on the Southern Highland Innovation Park (SHIP) draft master plan, which is State Government funded. 

The draft SHIP Master Plan, Governance Strategy and Strategic Positioning Paper were prepared by a highly regarded consultant team in consultation with industry and community, receiving broad support during the recent public exhibition period (in September 2024).  

The Independent Planning Commission holds a public hearing only if a formal request is made by the Minister for Planning.   

A report will be prepared for the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on 30 October, 2024, and Councillors and the community will be briefed on the next steps, including all available options.  

Further information, including the Department’s recommendation report is available on the NSW Government’s Major Projects portal:  

https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/moss-vale-plastics-recycling-facility 

To make a personal submission to the Independent Planning Commission visit: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/make-a-submission-forms