City of Whittlesea has opposed Cleanaway Operations Pty Ltd’s proposed waste-to-energy facility in Wollert.
Cleanaway has already lodged two applications for the facility—a planning permit application with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in May 2023, and a development licence application with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in February 2024.
The last council meeting for 2024 saw councillors resolve to endorse the officer submission to the DTP and the EPA, urging the Victorian Government reject the proposal in its role as decision maker.
The chief executive will also write to the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Environment to advocate against the proposal.
The proposed facility, which will be known as the Melbourne Energy and Resource Centre (MERC), will be located on 510 Summerhill Road, Wollert, operating to process more than 380,000 tonnes of waste material, which otherwise would be sent to landfill, into energy.
While the project seeks to reduce landfill dependence and generate energy, council raised significant concerns regarding its potential impacts, including traffic congestion, odour and air emissions, visual disruption, and wider community and environmental effects.
Community consultation conducted by the DTP and the EPA has revealed concerns from residents regarding air quality, odour emissions, and potential health impacts.
Council will seek to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the EPA, Cleanaway, and residents to create a sustainable waste management solution that prioritises environmental excellence and aligns with community expectations.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Aidan McLindon expressed the project continued to boast ‘unresolved concerns.’
“While the City of Whittlesea supports innovative waste solutions, we cannot endorse a project that raises unresolved concerns about its impact on residents and the environment,” he said.
“We owe it to our community to advocate for sustainable practices that align with their needs and expectations.”