The ACT Greens have signalled their intention to oppose large scale waste proposals slated for Fyshwick and support a Master Plan.
In a letter to Inner South Canberra Community Council (ISCCC) members last night, the ACT Greens committed to changing the ACT Territory Plan so that major waste facilities such as those proposed by CRS and Hi Quality are prohibited as a land use in Fyshwick. The Greens also proposed a moratorium on any new waste technologies or proposals being approved until:
- life cycle and impact assessments are undertaken for these proposals, either through waste expertise in ACT NoWaste, or through independent analysis through an EIS inquiry panel,
- a clear waste policy and assessment regulatory framework to guide industry proposals is established,
- a review of industrial zonings is undertaken, and
- a levy on interstate waste importation is investigated.
President of the Fyshwick Business Association (FBA) Rob Evans applauded the ACT Greens for giving proper consideration to the issues articulated by the FBA and the ISCCC about the CRS and Hi Quality proposals.
“What we have been saying all along is that we support recycling, and there are already recycling and waste management businesses in Fyshwick, but the massive size of the CRS and Hi Quality proposals is completely inappropriate here.
“The Greens listened to us and ultimately recognised that we had justifiable concerns about environmental impacts, the scale of these proposals and the impact of cumulative proposals on this precinct.
“The Greens acknowledged the fact that Fyshwick is evolving, that there are a number of significant residential developments planned in the vicinity and it is close to environmentally sensitive areas including the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
“We also welcome their proposed inquiry into industrial zoning, which should lead to clarity around what is and isn’t appropriate for Fyshwick, both in type and scale. From day one of the Fyshwick Business Association we have called for a Master Plan for Fyshwick, and we are pleased the Greens have adopted this as policy also.
“We are under no illusion that this battle is over, but it’s good to see some common sense injected into the debate, and we eagerly await the opportunity to discuss the matter with the Labor and Liberal parties who have not made any definitive decision, which leaves the business community (including the proponents) in limbo,” Mr Evans said.