Sunbury’s two councillors have issued a joint statement responding to community concerns over a proposed waste-to-energy facility in Bulla, following the Victorian Government’s announcement of new cap licences for such projects across the state.
Hume City Cllr Jarrod Bell (Labor) and Cllr Kate Hamley (Independent) both acknowledged the recent approval of a cap licence for waste management firm HiQ’s proposed waste incinerator-powered electricity generator at 570 Sunbury Rd on 25 August (see below).
The licence would allow the proposed facility to accept up to 750,000 tonnes of waste annually. Hume City collects around 55,000 tonnes of municipal waste destined for landfill every year.
Both councillors stressed the cap licence does not constitute formal planning or environmental approval, and that these remain matters for the State Government (Josh Bull is the state MP for Sunbury). The councillors expect Hume City Council will be invited to comment at some point during the planning process.
“At this time, Hume City Council does not have a formal position on waste-to-energy in our community,” stated the councillors.
Cllr Bell and Cllr Hamley emphasised their commitment to ensuring that local voices are central in any future discussions, thanking residents and community advocacy groups who have already expressed views and concerns about the power plant.
Among the community concerns acknowledged by the councillors are the proximity of the proposed power plant to existing and planned residential areas, the potential impact of increased traffic on Sunbury Rd, and a lack of accessible information about the science and risks of waste-to-energy facilities.
The councillors state they are working with council officers to prepare a motion for an upcoming council meeting that will clarify its role and outline possible next steps.
“We will continue to advocate strongly to ensure these concerns are front and centre in any decision-making process,” they said.
At a council meeting on Monday 10 June 2025 Cllr Hamley said: “There is a situation on our doorstep and it stinks. You may not be aware, but the company Hi Q is planning to build a giant garbage incinerator.
“These facilities are marketed as waste-to-energy, and operate by loading contents of our red bins into an industrial furnace and lighting it up…”
Click here to see all our previous reports on the proposed power plant.
Below…A joint statement published by Hume City mayor and Jacksons Hill councillor Jarrod Bell (Labor) and Emu Creek councillor Kate Hamley (Independent) on 25 August 2025.
