Planning minister Sonya Kilkenny tight lipped over Lara incinerator
Speaking in front of some of the region’s stakeholders at an event in Geelong on Friday, Victoria’s planning minister refused to go into details about the project, which remains deeply unpopular.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victoria’s planning minister has remained tight lipped over the controversial proposed Lara incinerator.
Speaking in front of some of the region’s stakeholders at an event in Geelong on Friday, Sonya Kilkenny refused to go into details about the project, which remains deeply unpopular among the community.
Ms Kilkenny, responding to a question from local businessman and anti-incinerator activist Richard Bisinella, assured the crowd the regions voices were being heard.
“It’s a very topical matter, it’s actually a live matter, so it’s before me right now,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“Can I acknowledge every submission that has been sent to me or the department … is taken into account as part of the decision making process.
“It is not just me making a decision on this project as well, however it is a live matter and I just can’t say anything at the moment other than to acknowledge all of your submissions and all of the work that you put into putting those before me, so thank you.”
Ms Kilkenny, who has been sitting on the proposal for years, recently refused a request from Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj to transfer decision-making authority to the council.
“The government chose to centralise decision making for energy generation facilities to ensure that consideration for these facilities is consistent throughout Victoria,” Ms Kilkenny said in a written response to the request.
Mr Bisinella said while it was “pleasing” to see Ms Kilkenny in Geelong, he questioned why the incinerator was still going ahead despite bipartisan opposition.
“I took the opportunity on behalf of the community to seek an update from her in relation to her consideration of the Incinerator proposal, noting it had been with the Government for a number of years,” Mr Bisinella said.
“The Minister has all the data she needs to make her decision, which is not dependent on the outcome of the VCAT hearings that continue, nor on any approval or decision by another Minister.
“So why the delay?
“The community is increasingly anxious, and the Government’s unwillingness to engage with us and to respond to our own forensic independent analysis of the emissions claims by the proponent only add to that anxiety.”
Mr Bisinella‘s company Bisinella Developments launched VCAT action in 2023 in an attempt to overturn the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) approval of the project.
The facility, planned by Prospect Hill International, aims to process 400,000 tonnes of waste annually, generating 35 megawatts of electricity.
The proposal has attracted widespread opposition from the community, businesses, state and federal MPs and members of the opposition.
Concerns include its proximity to homes – just 350m away – potential health risks, environmental impact, and the towering 80m-tall chimney altering the region’s skyline.
More Coverage
Originally published as Planning minister Sonya Kilkenny tight lipped over Lara incinerator
Ex-AFL talent turns it on in big Giants win, as young gun dominates
Ex-AFL defender Heath Shaw gave a young Geelong West side a boost in a resounding round 4 win for the GFNL club, but it was a young forward who opened - and finished - the game with a bang.
Acknowledgement of country signs set up at water work sites in Geelong
A state government agency has been spotted placing acknowledgement of country signs next to its work sites to recognise the original custodians of “the water on which we rely”.