Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto ‘very concerned’ about Lara incinerator

Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto has strongly condemned what he claims has been a lack of community consultation surrounding the controversial waste-to-energy incinerator earmarked for Lara.

A render of the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator that would be built in Lara. Source: Prospect Hill International.

Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto has strongly condemned what he claims has been a lack of community consultation surrounding the controversial waste-to-energy incinerator earmarked for Lara.

Mr Pesutto, who was in Torquay on Thursday to speak at the G21 regional forum, was asked whether he supported the proposed facility that is slated for McManus Rd.

He said he was “very concerned” because “we’re hearing that the community hasn’t been consulted at all”.

“This is very close to homes and it’s a very serious decision to be making … we’re very concerned,” he said.

“A number of my colleagues, including Richard Riordan and James Newbury, have commented on this and I share their concerns.

“There hasn’t been genuine engagement with community and there should be.”

Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto. Picture: David Geraghty / NewsWire.

More than 100 people rallied in August after proponents Prospect Hill International was granted a development licence by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) late last year.

The facility’s proposed site would be 1.2km from Lara’s town centre and just 350m from the closest residence.

Its 80m tall chimney stack would become the tallest structure in the Geelong region.

Opposition to the project has been voiced by the Committee for Geelong, Geelong Sustainability, Geelong council and Lara MP Ella George.

A letter from deputy prime minister and Corio MP Richard Marles to Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny was read out at the August protest.

It detailed how he understood the issue to be “tremendously weighing” on the community, which was greatly concerned about the project.

“I add my support for the Lara community and trust their views will be given thorough consideration,” Mr Marles wrote.

In July, a letter signed by 18 Geelong business figures was sent to Premier Jacinta Allan, highlighting their opposition to the incinerator.

Ms Allan said in August that she was aware of the fierce opposition but an independent process overseen by the environmental regulator must be allowed to play out.

The G21 forum saw more than 250 people gather at RACV Torquay to discuss the region’s strategic vision.

Health expert and media commentator Norman Swan was the keynote speaker.

Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier was originally scheduled to speak at the forum, but she was instead in Melbourne giving evidence at civil trial involving ousted Liberal Moira Deeming and Mr Pesutto.

Originally published as Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto ‘very concerned’ about Lara incinerator