Recycling Victoria has issued a licence to HiQ for a waste to energy incinerator in Sunbury.
The Waste to Energy Scheme licence was issued for the Sunbury Eco-Hub site and will allow the processing of up to 750,000 tonnes of waste per annum.
Issued by Recycling Victoria, the cap licence allows a waste to energy facility operator to process permitted waste up to a specified maximum amount.
The cap is designed to prevent over reliance on waste to energy as a solution to waste management, according to the state government.
HiQ said the licence was subject to environmental and planning approvals, which are expected to be submitted to EPA Victoria and the planning minister in November.
Chief strategy officer Lance Ingrams said “This licence will allow us to bring world-leading technology to the area, helping to build the local economy, provide local jobs and contribute to state targets to divert waste from landfill and generate energy.”
“Over the coming months, we will be submitting environmental and planning applications to EPA Victoria and the Department of Planning. These will include comprehensive technical assessments, which the community will have an opportunity to review and provide feedback on.”
The incinerator would process non-hazardous waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill, including household waste, and pre-sorted materials from construction, building, and business operations.
Hume council said it was disappointed by the approval.
“Council was not briefed on the details of this proposal in advance and is disappointed not to have had the opportunity for earlier engagement, particularly given the strong community interest in this matter,“ the spokesperson said.
“This is a Victorian Government decision and still requires further state approvals. As part of that process, council expects the proposal will be formally referred to us for comment.
“When this occurs, council will review the proposal in detail taking into account community concerns, suggesting possible planning conditions and continue to advocate for the best outcomes for our community.“
HiQ will host a community webinar on September 4 from 6pm to 7pm as well as community pop-ups in Sunbury Square Shopping Centre and community events to speak with residents.
