The proposed Lara waste-to-energy incinerator has been denied an operating licence by Recycling Victoria and will not go ahead for the foreseeable future.
On Wednesday, Recycling Victoria announced the successful applicants under Victoria’s waste-to-energy scheme, a list which did not include Prospect Hill International’s (PHI) proposal for a facility in Lara.
The decision is a win for community members, grass roots activist groups, businesses and politicians, all of whom have been advocating for some years against the proposal.
But while PHI has not received the go-ahead from Recycle Victoria, it did receive approval for a development licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2023.
That decision has, as recently as July, withstood appeals to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Community member Charles Street has represented his community at many council meetings and protest events in opposition to the incinerator proposal.
He said he was “very pleased” PHI had not received the licence, but there was more work to be done.
“Whilst the Lara campaign has had a win, we still need to see the Lara big incinerator planning permit application formally refused,” Mr Street said.
“And we need the EPA development licence formally revoked. Only then can we have confidence that Lara and Greater Geelong will not be contaminated like Paris and many other cities in Europe.”
Member for Lara Ella George, who has been a strong voice for her electorate against the facility, said she was proud to stand by the community.
“This is a great outcome for Lara and our community,” Ms George said.
“There were many legitimate concerns about this project, including a complete lack of social licence. Hundreds of local residents contacted me with their concerns, and their message was loud and clear: local residents do not support a big incinerator.”
Geelong council has also been unwavering in its opposition to the facility.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the decision was “greatly welcomed” but that the “fight is not over, as a future licence could still be granted”.
“It’s vital that this project is ruled out for good by the Minister for Planning, which is why I will once again be writing to express the clear views of the community on this issue,” Mayor Kontelj said.
PHI was contacted for comment.
