THE NSW Nationals has secured a Parliamentary inquiry into waste-to-energy incinerators, following concerns almost one-million tonnes of extra waste could be sent to the regions each year to help deal with an overflow in Sydney.
The motion was moved in the Upper House by NSW Nationals’ Scott Barrett with fellow Nationals’ Nichole Overall appointed as chair of the Select Committee.
The inquiry, which originally intended to explore current plans for two large energy recovery facilities in Tarago and Parkes, has now also been expanded to cover other potential areas in regional New South Wales.
Mrs Overall said she was appreciative of the support across the Chamber to see the inquiry get up and for the opportunity to chair it.
“This provides the chance for community members to raise the many questions they have around potentially millions of tonnes of waste being dumped in their backyards,” Mrs Overall said.
“The objective is to fully explore the issues and look at options and alternatives to the ever-growing Sydney waste problem that doesn’t leave some areas worse off than others.”
“People have genuine concerns around the plan and they are coming from a place of wanting answers and information that they feel they just haven’t received.
“I look forward to working with the Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman, and the Inquiry’s Deputy Chair Dr Amanda Cohn on this matter, and the community members in Parkes who initially reached out to me.”
The inquiry will look at matters including the risk of potentially toxic emissions, the health implications of the projects and the impact they will have on agriculture.
Mr Barrett is encouraging people to come forward and have their say.
“Initially, this was a tough issue for me,” Mr Barrett said.
“I want to see our communities thrive and grow, but we don’t want projects that will put them at risk.
“The proposed Parkes incinerator would divert 600,000 tonnes of waste from Sydney, so it’s common sense for that community to have their voices heard, which is something that was sorely missing from the consultation phase of this project.
“I recently took part in an information night hosted by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance, which was attended by nearly 600 people, and it was clear the community feels there are too many unanswered questions here,” he said.
