NSW Upper House member, Rod Roberts, is expecting a strong turnout when a waste to energy inquiry sits in Goulburn.
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Mr Roberts, from Goulburn, is a member of the Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities, chaired by Nationals MLC, Nichole Overall.
The seven-member committee is examining technology for proposed waste-to-energy facilities' at Tarago and Parkes, emissions, health and environmental impacts, and regional planning implications. It will also look at international best practices and alternative waste management solutions.
The inquiry is headed to Goulburn on May 14 and 15 to hear directly from the community about Veolia Environmental Services' plan to build a $600 million waste to energy facility at the Woodlawn eco-precinct near Tarago. It would process up to 380,000 tonnes of Sydney's waste annually.
People can register to speak at the public forum from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday, May 14 at the Goulburn Workers Club. An inquiry spokesperson said members were keen to hear people's views and experiences. Limited speaking spaces are available but a written suggestion box will be available on the day for those unable to speak.
Mr Roberts said up to 60 people can register to speak for up to two minutes each.
"I encourage all concerned residents to attend and register to participate," he said.
"...So far there's been a strong demonstration of community concern and angst about the proposed facility at Parkes. I anticipate we'll receive a similar reaction in Goulburn."
The Goulburn Mulwaree Cross-Party Working Group on Waste Incinerators is among those who will speak at the forum. Chair, The Reverend Paul Davey, said he would be voicing opposition to Veolia's plan.
"The very fact that the state government banned them in Sydney due to health concerns means they should be banned everywhere. The health and wellbeing of people in this region is no less important," he recently told The Post.
Members of the public are also invited to join or watch the public hearing at the Workers Club from 9am to 1.30pm on Friday, May 15 from 9am to 1.30pm
The inquiry has received 1049 public submissions.
For more information and to register to speak, visit the inquiry webpage at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/
