Campaigners head to Sunbury Show : Sunbury Life

A group campaigning against the proposed incinerator and power plant in Sunbury Rd, Bulla, will be out in force at this weekend’s Sunbury Show.

Around 70 people who attended the third meeting of No Waste Incinerator Sunbury at Sunbury Library on Thursday 2 October heard how the organisation is gathering momentum, attracting new members, and community support, to oppose a waste-to-energy plant proposed by HiQ (formerly Hi-Quality).

So far campaigners have produced a range of badges and T-shirts to help raise awareness, with the group preparing a mailout to all homes in Sunbury and Bulla with support from the Legalise Cannabis Party. Leaflets are also being printed along with posters, and a dedicated website is in the pipeline to be used alongside the group’s official Facebook page.

However, this week campaigners are focusing on the Sunbury Show which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The group has a stall booked, with volunteers lined up to hand out leaflets, and meet show-goers to share their concerns about the proposed plant.

“One of the things that we’ve been talking about is the need to push across the message about this plant in a way that really engages people,” said group member Adam Bremner.

“Simply, the message is, the incinerator is terrible for a myriad of reasons,” he said.

At this weekend’s show the group will have a gazebo, posters, maps showing the proposed location of the plant, and campaigners will answer questions.

“I think we’re actually blessed with the fact that we have so many people that are willing to help out,” said Mr Bremner. “But we have a fight on our hands.”

David Ettershank MP said the state government has named 11 locations for water-to-energy plants.

“But they know strong local opposition will stop some of them,” he said.

HiQ

HiQ will also be at the Sunbury Show sharing information, answering questions and hearing your feedback about the project.

A spokesperson for HiQ said: “For HiQ to receive approvals to design and build its proposed energy-from-waste facility, it is required to submit detailed environmental applications for consideration by EPA Victoria, which will include a comprehensive human health assessment.

“All studies will align to the European Union global best practice standards for modern energy-from-waste facilities and adhere to the strict requirements set by EPA Victoria and the Victorian Government.

“Until these studies are complete, it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the scientific data that will come from this process. However, if these reports show any unacceptable human health risk, the facility will not be approved to be built.

“The community will have an opportunity to review and comment on these studies through EPA Victoria’s public exhibition process, which HiQ expects will take place in early 2026. HiQ will keep the community updated throughout the process.”

The Sunbury Show is being held at Clarke Oval, Riddell Rd, Saturday 11 October.

Read more reports about the HiQ / Hi-Quality plant here.

HiQ’s indicative timeline for its proposed Bulla WtE plant

Mid 2025

Approval granted by Recycling Victoria for a Waste-to-Energy Cap licence
Community engagement and feedback opportunities

Mid to late 2025

Environmental and planning applications submitted to EPA Victoria and the Department of Transport and Planning
Ongoing community and stakeholder engagement

Late 2025 to early 2026

EPA Victoria public exhibition of proposed Waste-to-Energy facility, including release of technical assessments
Community engagement and feedback opportunities

Early to mid 2026