The Mayor of Parkes Shire, Neil Westcott, has expressed strong support for the NSW Nationals’ push to establish another Parliamentary inquiry into Energy-from-Waste (EfW).
The previous 2017 inquiry, which included participation from the current Environment Minister Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, along with representatives from the Greens and Liberals, led to several recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the Chief Scientist and Engineer to ensure that international best practices were followed in Energy-from-Waste initiatives, which was addressed in the subsequent Chief Scientists’ report. However, many of these recommendations appear to remain unaddressed.
“While the 2017 inquiry provided a foundation, there remains important questions that are yet to be fully addressed,” said Wescott. “A renewed Parliamentary inquiry could help clarify these issues and provide the transparency our community has been seeking.
“As this is a State Government initiative, assessed within a State Government framework, it is important that the community receives clear and consistent communication from the relevant authorities. To date this has been minimal, despite our ongoing requests for engagement.
Westcott said the “No Parkes Energy-From-Waste Incinerator Community Night” highlighted the community’s deep concern and strong desire for information.
Speakers raised issues including emissions of persistent organic pollutants emitted, potential health impacts such as birth defects and questions about the EPA’s capacity to assess such facilities. Dr Amanda Cohn of the Greens also conveyed the Public Health Association’s opposition to these projects.
“In the absence of detailed information from the NSW State Government, these concerns are contributing to growing uncertainty and fear within the community. A Parliamentary inquiry could help address these issues by ensuring that all perspectives are thoroughly examined and that the public is provided with transparent, evidence-based information,” Westcott commented.
He has raised the question about the rationale behind the proposed location of Energy-from-Waste facilities and that it needs to be clearly explained to the community.
The key question the Mayor is asking of the NSW Government; “There is a perception that such facilities are considered appropriate for regional areas like Parkes, but not for metropolitan areas such as Sydney, despite their presence in many major cities around the world. Clarifying the criteria and decision-making processes that results in it being suitable for Parkes, but not Sydney, would help ensure the community has a clear understanding of the reasoning based on factual information and reduce speculation or concern stemming from a lack of transparency.”
Westcott applauded Geoff Rice’s call for respectful debate which was timely and necessary.
“Whether someone holds a different opinion on EfW or simply is not ready to form a view at this stage, that position deserves to be respected,” he said. “People should feel safe to ask questions, seek information and take the time they need to understand the issue without fear of judgement or pressure.
“As this conversation continues, it’s vital that our community is supported with clear, factual information and a respectful space to engage. Whether people are for, against, or undecided on Energy-from-Waste, everyone deserves to be heard without fear of judgement or harassment.
“A renewed Parliamentary inquiry offers an opportunity to bring clarity, accountability, and confidence to the process, ensuring that decisions are made with the community’s best interests at heart,” Westcott said.