Veolia is pushing ahead with its proposal for an industrial waste incinerator in Tarago, despite environmental concerns and objections from Tarago and Canberra residents. An Environmental Impact Statement is open for public comment until 6 December.
"The ACT Greens have long opposed thermal incineration. It is just too risky for health and the environment," said Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for the Circular Economy.
"Incinerators have a long history of polluting our air and water. Testing is always a concern. Burning waste is also a waste of resources. Australia shouldn't be building new incinerators."
"I was delighted when the ACT Government banned incinerators in the ACT in 2020 after years of lobbying. We would not allow this kind of facility within our borders. I do not want to see one just across our border."
"I sponsored a community petition opposing the Tarago incinerator. 919 Canberra residents signed it. Residents in Tarago are even more concerned. Communities Against the Tarago Incinerator demonstrates predicted air pollution on their website using modelling developed by the US EPA. Their modelling predicts pollution from the incinerator could reach Canberra, Queanbeyan, Yass and the whole region.
"The ACT Greens oppose this incinerator. I released our Greens' Vision for a Circular Economy in August. A genuine Circular Economy means we should think about what we need and come up with a sustainable way of meeting those needs. Incineration is not part of that story.
