Last week the NSW Land and Environment Court dismissed the Cleanaway appeal that it be allowed to build the compost plant on farmland at Gerogery near the Five Mates Bridge.

The residents’ action group, which opposed the plant in the preferred location, has written to Albury, Wodonga, Corowa and Indigo councillors asking them to reconsider the deal with Cleanaway based on comments it planned to press ahead with the project at Gerogery.

The Border Mail has obtained a copy of the letter sent to councillors.

The member councils will meet today to discuss the implications of the court decision.

“We ask you to seriously reconsider your agreement with Transpacific Cleanaway if they intend to proceed blindly on to try and build their plant at Gerogery,” the letter states.

“This proposal has now been rejected by local government, state government and the Land and Environment Court.

“To continue along this road will result in extended, ongoing delays to your green waste strategy.

“Gerogery residents remain committed to fight any attempt by (Clean-away) to continue with plans to locate the plant at Gerogery.”

Cleanaway has two options in proceeding with its plan for the Gerogery site: challenge the court’s ruling on a “point of law” or submitting another development application.

The group is requesting councils consider the location they will be sending green waste.

“It should be properly built to adequately manage odour, contaminated waste water, traffic, noise and other issues,” the letter states.

“There should also be accountable management plans in place to ensure the social and environmental well-being of the surrounding area.

“Several alternate sites were suggested at the recent trial.

“Prime agricultural land does not fit the plant’s criterion.

“For the sake of Gerogery residents and the residents of the four councils involved, it is time to choose a new location that is safe for the environment and its surrounds.”