Will Byron Council add its voice to the growing chorus of opposition to the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator at Casino?
The controversial plan to build the facility in, or near the town, has been put forward for consideration by the state government, with some support from Richmond Valley Council, as a possible solution to the region’s waste management problems.
They argue that the incinerator, if managed properly, would prevent thousands of tonnes of waste from going into landfill, and instead efficiently convert it into energy.
But residents living in and around the town are deeply concerned about the health impacts from what they say will be toxic emissions produced by such an incinerator.
Speaking at a recent meeting opposing the plan, local doctor, and former industrial chemist, Dr Jurriaan Beek, said the incinerator was ‘the biggest risk to the health of our community’.
‘Four tonnes of waste converts to 11 tonnes of gas, and one tonne of ash,’ Dr Beek said, as reported by IndyNR.com.
He said the ash contained dioxins, which cause cancer.
‘It [the ash] travels on the wind,’ he said.
‘Onto farmland. Cows eat the grass, and we eat the meat, and drink the milk.’
Byron Shire Council is among 13 north coast councils who are part of a broader process exploring the establishment of regional waste facilities, with a focus on alternative waste treatment solutions.
The incinerator is one of the solutions being considered as part of this process.
In response to a series of questions asked by Greens Councillor, Duncan Dey, late last year, Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, said Byron had not signed any service agreements or contracts in relation to any waste solution, including an incinerator.
‘While individual Councils have committed to being part of the market sounding and Expression of Interest (EOI) process, this does not commit to continuation in the project overall,’ Mr Holloway said in his written response to the questions.
Not ruled out by staff
Council staff said, ‘Council’s participation will be determined by the opportunities presented through this process and a rigorous assessment process, which includes consultation with councillors and alignment with Council strategies…’
This measured response is a long way from opposing the controversial incinerator plan.
Committee against
However, this month Council’s newly-formed Climate Change and Resource Advisory Recovery Committee will tackle the issue head on.
A motion is set to come before the committee that, if passed, would provide a clear statement of opposition to the incinerator project.
Also on the committee’s agenda will be receiving a report on the Shire’s ‘current waste strategies in relation to incineration as a Shire and within the group’.
The committee will also further ask for a status report on the proposed incinerator, including the positions of other councils within the region, and the state government, post-election.
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