INVESTIGATE WASTE TO ENERGY IN VICTORIA
Victoria has more waste to energy (WtE) projects on foot than all other Australian jurisdictions combined and the cap on the amount of waste that can be burnt is rapdily increasing.
Victoria is building a “ring of fire” of rubbish incinerators.
Several new licences have recently been granted and projects are being proposed in Lara, Wollert, Maryvale, Sunbury, Laverton North and Dandenong South. Once these reach full operating capacity, the vast majority of waste in Victoria could be taken from landfill to be burnt. The ACT has banned these kinds of projects and NSW does not allow them in residential areas.
This represents one of the most significant shifts in waste management policy in Victoria’s history.
In today’s changing climate, the rapid development and expansion of WtE infrastructure requires further investigation to fully understand its’ consequences. We need to examine the suitability of existing plans and policies, the adequacy of community consultation and opportunities for greater alignment with Victoria’s circular economy plans.
This is also about stopping waste before it starts.
The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has warned that Victoria is not on track to meet its target of diverting 80 per cent of waste away from landfill by 2030. In fact, the proportion of waste going to landfill has not changed in the four years since the Victorian government started their circular economy policy!
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
We recently introduced a motion into the Victorian Parliament to require a parliamentary committee to investigate and report on WtE.
This investigation would include the suitability of infrastructure plans and policies, impacts, community consultation and alternative forms of waste management.
WHAT’ S THE LATEST?
Our motion for a committee to investigate and report on the development and expansion of waste to energy (WtE) infrastructure in Victoria has passed!
The committee will table their report by August 2026, and the government must respond within six months.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We will let you know when the committee calls for public submissions, which we expect will be early next year. Be sure to keep an eye out so your voice can be heard!
In the meantime, you can keep up to date on our socials and the inquiry’s website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
📰 LATEST NEWS
Victoria’s Burning Problem – Waste to Energy
INVESTIGATE WASTE TO ENERGY IN VICTORIA Victoria has more waste to energy (WtE) projects on foot than all other Australian jurisdictions combined and the cap on the amount of waste that can be burnt is rapdily increasing. Victoria is building a “ring of fire” of…Waste-to-energy could cause more problems than it solves
Rachel noted some of the associated risks of waste-to-energy, questioning why the state government is committing to six new plants despite potential harms.
