$70 million Plastics Recycling Centre could be headed for Moss Vale

Moss Vale is set to become a hub for sustainable business, with a $70 million Plastic Recycling facility looking to move in.

The most recent eco-business to eye up Moss Vale is Chinese company Plasrefine Recycling, which plans to build a Plastic Recycling Facility in the Enterprise Zone.

According to a development application lodged with Wingecarribee Shire Council, the Moss Vale facility would cost between $70 to $80 million and would create up to 150 new jobs in the area.

Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce President Steve Horton said the business community welcomed the creation of potential eco-friendly local jobs.

“Any of these sustainable companies that are offering new types of employment are very welcome here,” he said.

“We need to see more employment in the area, and diverse employment.”

Moss Vale Plastic Recycling Facility would turn plastic waste into useful plastics.

The multimillion project could be the large investment that helps solidify Moss Vale’s reputation as a booming eco-business hub.

The application revealed Plasrefine is positive about its potential impact on the region.

“The proposal is the first of its kind in NSW, and therefore also has the likelihood to increase the community social capital in Moss Vale and surrounding suburbs,” a statement said.

The Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility would process up to 150,000 tonnes of mixed plastic waste per year into reusable plastics that could then be sold to plastics manufacturers or exported.

The proposed facility would be located at 74-76 Beaconsfield Road in between Moss Vale and New Berrima. The land has already been purchased, and was settled late last year.

Moss Vale Plastic Recycling Facility requires a new road to be built. Photo: DPIE Report

One problem with the project is that it will rely on an unformed road, Braddon Rd.

According to Plasrefine’s Scoping Report, Wingecarribee Council’s Section 94 Development Contributions Plan proposes a future connection to Lackey Road.

However, Mr Horton said roads are a major barrier to most prospective developments in the area.

“Unless we get those roads fixed up, businesses will stop coming to the area,” he said.

“It’s encouraging to see that people are wanting to come here, but are they going to want to stay once they start looking at the feasibility?”

Plasrefine is currently in the process of formulating an environmental impact statement to submit to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, which will then be available for exhibition in the community.