Council Objects Plastics Recycling Facility

Published on 14 October 2024

Council Objects to Plastics Recycling Facility Location and Impacts, Demands In-Person Meeting

Community Voice Crucial in IPC Public Meeting

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has recommended approval of the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility. This decision has been met with disappointment by Wingecarribee Shire Council, which has formally opposed the proposal due to concerns about its location, traffic impacts and environmental risks. The final decision on the project will be made by the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC).

Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick announced, “We are extremely pleased that our Council staff and community's persistent advocacy for an in-person meeting has been successful”.

“The IPC will hold a Public Meeting on Monday 28 October at a local location to be advised. This will allow our community to be fully represented and heard with open and transparent dialogue. If you can’t attend the in-person Public Meeting, there will be an online follow up Public Meeting on Friday 1 November,” said Mayor Fitzpatrick.

Members of the community that would like to have their say can register by Thursday 24 October on the IPC website: www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2024/10/moss-vale-plastics-recycling-facility

Mayor Fitzpatrick said that the community’s voice is crucial, yet it has been disregarded.

“The newly elected Councillors are united on this issue. While we understand the need for sustainable waste management, we believe this project poses significant risks to our community and environment. Council has invested countless hours and resources into developing a vision for the Southern Highlands Innovation Park, and this proposal threatens to undermine our progress,” he said.

Mayor Fitzpatrick encourages everyone concerned to register to speak at the upcoming Public Meeting. "This is our last opportunity to urge the State Government to reconsider their stance and prioritise the well-being of our residents.”

“Let’s make sure our voices are heard, and the IPC fully understand the negative impacts of this project,” he concluded.

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

Community members can make a personal submission to the Independent Planning Commission by 7 November, 2024. Visit: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/make-a-submission-forms