At its March Council meeting, Latrobe City Council resolved to send municipal waste to the Maryvale Energy from Waste facility, subject to contract negotiations.
The facility will divert municipal waste that currently gets disposed at landfill and create energy from the waste, with minimal emissions. The energy will contribute towards running the Opal Maryvale Paper Mill while relying less on energy drawn from the national grid.
The facility is proposed to be in production by 2028, Council will start a gradual transition of municipal waste to the facility at this time.
Our Transition Plan outlines Council's commitment to developing local industry, reducing environmental impacts and supporting local employment opportunities.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said the Energy from Waste facility is a step in the right direction towards a new energy future for Latrobe City.
"Latrobe City Council is committed to supporting a range of innovative and sustainable industries in the region, which will contribute towards a resilient local economy and a vibrant community," said the Mayor.
"Council welcomes Opal's commitment to the region, through this innovative new energy industry which has been awarded the first Energy from Waste licence from Recycling Victoria under the state's Waste to Energy Scheme.
"The Energy from Waste facility presents an opportunity for Opal to diversify their business offerings, considering recent job losses from native timber harvesting cessation and the closure of white paper manufacturing."
Council's current advocacy priorities include a considered transition to a new energy future that creates industry diversification generating long-term economic growth and skilled employment opportunities. Council is also committed to greater investment in recycling and re-manufacturing industries to enhance Latrobe City's role in the circular economy.
