Eastern Creek Cleanaway: Blacktown Council raises objections

The company behind a controversial incinerator has responded to criticism, stating the facility would help cut waste and create more than 2000 jobs.

Artist’s impression of the proposed $700m energy from waste plant in Eastern Creek. Picture: Supplied

The company behind a planned $700m incinerator has responded to criticism – stating the facility will help cut waste going to landfill while creating more than 2000 jobs.

Blacktown Council has raised objections over the proposed Western Sydney Energy and Resource Recovery Centre (WSERRC) at Eastern Creek.

Councillors met last month and endorsed a report from the council objecting to the proposal.

The council has now formally submitted its objection to the Planning Department.

Artist’s impression of the proposed $700m energy from waste plant at Eastern Creek. Picture: Supplied

However, operator Cleanaway has responded, stating the facility would be safe for the local community and environment.

Cleanaway proposes to generate electricity at the energy-from-waste plant by burning up to 500,000 tonnes of residential, commercial and industrial waste each year.

Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale said the council had ordered an independent review into Cleanaway’s environmental impact assessment over feared impacts on air quality and public health.

“The submission raises serious concerns in the areas of air quality, waste water treatment, human health risk assessment, the exact technology to be used, and the visual impact of the facility,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

An overview of the Wallgrove Rd, Eastern Creek site, which could house the proposed Western Sydney Energy and Resource Recovery Centre by Cleanaway. Picture: Supplied

However, project director James Pearce said the project would be held to the strictest of environmental standards.

“The proposed WSERRC will use safe and sustainable energy-from-waste technology to divert waste from landfill and recover resources from waste we cannot recycle,” Mr Pearce said.

“An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been developed for the project … the EIS details the project’s strict environmental standards the project will be held to, the use of the current international best practice techniques and technology, and commitment to the community through more than 2000 jobs over the coming years.”

Mr Pearce said the proposal aimed to cut landfill volumes by producing enough energy to power 79,000 western Sydney homes.

Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale has objected to the proposed facility. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

“This would result in a net reduction of climate change gases, equivalent to 85,000 cars off our roads,” he said.

“This project will recycle metals and reuse the ash in things such as road construction.”

Speaking at last month’s council meeting, councillor Peter Camilleri said Blacktown was at risk of becoming a “dumping ground”.

“Western Sydney ends up being the dumping ground. This is just a dumping ground … for Sydney’s rubbish,” Cr Camilleri said.

Cleanaway said it would continue to work through the issues raised with Blacktown Council.

“We have enjoyed engaging collaboratively with Blacktown City Council throughout the proposal’s development and we will continue to work with the community to answer their questions and to ensure we can continue to show the benefits this project brings to western Sydney,” Mr Pearce said.

The State Government will have final determination over the proposal. To view the details of the project, visit the website here.