Geelong council doubles down on Lara incinerator opposition with Chris Burson motion

The proposal for an 80m high waste-to-energy “incinerator” in Geelong’s northern suburbs continues to do what few issues can – unite people from all political persuasions.

Charles Street has led community opposition to the proposed Lara incinerator. Picture: Alan Barber.

Geelong council is set to formalise its opposition of a waste-to-energy facility in Lara due to its proximity to homes and schools, as well as the potential for “odours”.

Chris Burson, whose You Yangs ward takes in the McManus Rd site, will introduce a notice of motion at Tuesday night’s council meeting that is expected to be endorsed comfortably.

The motion comes after the previous council wrote to the state government in September 2023 and April 2024 to highlight both its concern and that of the community.

The facility, widely referred to an “incinerator” given it would burn up to 400,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste per year to produce 35MW of energy, has united politicians of all persuasions in their opposition.

Despite this, its Melbourne-based proponent, Prospect Hill International, received a development licence from Victoria’s Environmental Protection Authority in December 2023.

Council has no official power in the decision-making process, but Mr Burson’s motion, if passed, would see City Hall write to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and request it become the authority for any similar future proposals in the region.

Proposed Lara incinerator. Source: Prospect Hill International.

The motion cites council’s concerns about “potential odours, air pollution and its close proximity to residential areas, preschools and primary school”.

It also commits council to continuing its advocacy to the state government “to cancel the planning permit and development licence … in support of the Lara’s community’s ongoing efforts to protest local environmental and public health interests”.

Geelong councillor Chris Burson. Picture: Supplied.

A Prospect Hill spokesman said in July last year that the company was committed to engaging with the community.

Around the same time, Lara-based Bisinella Developments filed legal documents with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal opposing the EPA’s granting of the licence.

The tribunal has not yet handed down its decision.

Bisinella’s latest development in the area is the Lara Lakes Estate, located approximately 5km north of the where the incinerator would be located.

Originally published as Geelong council doubles down on Lara incinerator opposition with Chris Burson motion