A community engagement meeting for a proposed plastic waste recycling facility has left the residents of Moss Vale with more questions than answers.
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Attended by 20 residents, the online meeting was held by GHD on behalf of Plasrefine on Wednesday, November 10.
The community engagement meeting was meant to provide residents with an update of the proposed project and allay any concerns.
However, instead of putting to rest the concerns of the residents, the meeting has left locals reeling at the proposed controversial facility located at 74-76 Beaconsfield Road, Moss Vale as new information came to light.
Moss Vale resident David Baxter, whose property neighbours the proposed site, was dismayed to hear the proposed height of the building would be 16 metres at its highest point.
GHD project director David Gamble said the building would follow the contour of the land.
"As the building moves north, it will be stepped down to reduce the visual impact," he said.
Others such as Geoff Byrne asked what actions would Plasrefine take to minimise the delivery of pollutants, while another meeting guest asked if the project had ownership and approval for the construction of the access road since the plan to use Beaconsfield Road was abandoned.
Concerns over noise and traffic also dominated the side panel chat where members of the GHD answered questions as the presentation continued.
GHD planning director Sofie Mason-Jones addressed the traffic concerns.
"In terms of Beaconsfield Road and why it's no longer proposed for operation use but still proposed for the construction of the facility is because it's the existing lawful access," she said.
"There's much more land available from Beaconsfield Road for the construction. If it was to be constructed from Lackey Road, there would need to be partial land closures for a period of time.
"We have done a traffic impact assessment of Beaconsfield Road of potential construction impacts. We note that Beaconsfield Road is a local road with houses and a daycare centre and there would be a traffic management control plan in place during construction.
The proposed operational road will run from east to west on Braddons Road.
According to the presentation, the proposed Plasrefine development would have the capacity to receive and process 120,000 tonnes of mixed plastic
According to the GHD presentation, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be delivered in late 2021 and a public exhibition will be held in early 2022.
Ms Mason-Jones said from May 2021 to now, the company continued to prepare the EIS.
"The EIS contains several specialist studies such across air quality, noise and vibration and contamination, biodiversity, soils, and water," she said.
"Within the EIS we are required to demonstrate how we have engaged with the community, taken on the feedback of the community and amended the project to lessen the environmental impacts."
GHD community and stakeholder engagement advisor Lauren Xuereb previously told the Southern Highland News that the EIS would identify opportunities to enhance the environment where possible.
"It will also identify opportunities to enhance the environment, where possible."
"Community and stakeholder feedback is an essential part of the environmental assessment process."
An in-person meeting will be held on November 18 at the Moss Vale Services Club between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. To attend, please email community.input@ghd.com by November 17.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
