NSW Nationals MP Scott Barrett pictured speaking passionately at the Energy From Waste information night hosted by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance on 26 July.
The NSW Nationals has secured a Parliamentary inquiry into waste to energy incinerators, following concerns almost a million tonnes of extra waste could be sent to the regions each year to help deal with an overflow in Sydney.
The motion was moved in the Upper House by NSW Nationals MP Scott Barrett with fellow Nationals MP Nichole Overall appointed as Chair of the Select Committee.
The inquiry, which originally intended to explore current plans for two large energy recovery facilities in Tarago and Parkes, has now also been expanded to cover other potential areas in regional NSW.
Mrs Overall said “This provides the chance for community members to raise the many questions they have” Mrs Overall said.
“The objective is to fully explore the issues and look at options and alternatives to the ever-growing Sydney waste problem that doesn’t leave some areas worse off than others.”
“People have genuine concerns around the plan and they are coming from a place of wanting answers and information they feel they haven’t received.
“I look forward to working with the Inquiry’s Deputy Chair Dr Amanda Cohn on this matter, and the community members in Parkes who initially reached out to me.
The inquiry will look at matters including the risk of potentially toxic emissions, the health implications of the projects and the impact they will have on agriculture.
Mr Barrett is encouraging people to have their say. “I recently took part in an information night hosted by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance and it’s clear the community feels there are too many unanswered questions.”
“The proposed Parkes incinerator would divert 600,000 tonnes of waste from Sydney, so it’s common sense for that community to have their voices heard, which is something that was sorely missing from the consultation phase of this project.