THE long-awaited announcement of where Cleanaway hopes to build a $8 million compost facility is finally on the table.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Almost two years after a marathon effort by the company to build one at Gerogery concluded in the NSW Land and Environment Court, Cleanaway has changed tack and wants to build the facility north of Howlong.
The company, which collects rubbish in four local government areas, Albury, Wodonga, Corowa and Indigo, has learned from past mistakes in selling the plan.
Subject to a planning panel's approval, the compost facility will be built next door to the Howlong tip and sewerage treatment plant.
Both facilities are owned by Federation Council and the new council entity is firmly on board with the proposal. It is in stark contrast to the situation at the Gerogery site on private land near the Five Mates Bridge with Greater Hume Shire.
Residents were up in arms with the proposal from the outset and council backed them all the way even though approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority, Roads and Maritime Services and Rural Fire Service were in place.
The Sydney court eventually ruled the plant would have an unacceptable impact on the "natural and built environments" in relation to its operations and management, the safe movement of vehicles and on-site water management.
Despite the appeal defeat, Cleanaway refused to rule out trying to address concerns raised by the court which further inflamed tensions between the company and local landholders. Almost two years later, Cleanaway has read the play and looked elsewhere.
Eight other sites were investigated before deciding on the Howlong tip.
In a further public relations exercise, Cleanaway is looking to establish a base in Howlong to allow residents to view the project development application which is expected to be lodged in November.
Also a community reference group will be formed and act as a direct conduit between locals and Cleanaway.
The proposed Howlong site is smaller than the Gerogery application.
But the proponents are confident of being able to meet air quality, noise and traffic measures.
It would be foolish not to expect any backlash, but Cleanaway has made the best possible start in the public relations game.