A proposed waste-to-energy plant that would burn up to 750,000 tonnes of rubbish a year at Bulla has drawn fresh opposition, with hundreds of people attending a protest rally in Sunbury organised by the No Sunbury Waste Incinerator group.
The facility, proposed by waste management company HiQ for its Eco-Hub site on Sunbury Rd, would operate around the clock if approved by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny. Opponents say they are concerned about emissions from the plant and the hundreds of daily truck movements expected to service the site.
The proposed facility would be built opposite the Maplestone Dr housing estate and use heat generated by burning waste to power a turbine capable of producing electricity for about 50,000 homes.
Among those addressing the crowd on Sunbury’s Village Green on Sunday 24 May were Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Hume City Mayor Carly Moore, Legalise Cannabis MP David Ettershank, Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom, and local resident Tanya Wilson.
Mr Bull reiterated his opposition to the project, saying he had spoken against the proposal in Parliament and written to local residents outlining his concerns.
“I say no to this proposal,” he told the crowd. “Because it’s not safe, I don’t believe it’s safe, and every single day I’ve got the chance I’ll join with you in fighting to do that.”
Ms Wilson, who attended with her baby daughter Phoebe, said she was worried about the long-term impact the project could have on future generations and Sunbury.
“We know better. We should be recycling everything that we can,” she said.
HiQ has previously stated the plant would use technology “proven in hundreds of international facilities to manage emissions effectively and safely”.
The future of the proposed plant now rests with the Minister for Planning, with a decision expected in August.
All our reports on HiQ are here.
