ARRANGEMENTS for the much-anticipated decision on the Cleanaway proposal to build a compost waste processing facility on the edge of Howlong are finally in place.
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The body which will sit in judgment of the development application for the $8.5 million plant – the Western Joint Regional Planning Panel – has agreed to a switch of venue and time for the hearing on June 15.
The lead group opposing the development, Howlong Community Committee, was justified in making a request to the JRPP for the hearing to be held in the town and not in Albury and at an earlier and more convenient time for those most affected by the ultimate decision.
Residents and Federation Council have been on a collision course since details of Cleanaway's second attempt to build a compost facility in the area became public last August.
The company's last attempt to build a compost plant at Gerogery was met with similar community opposition.
It also had Greater Hume Shire opposed to the plan, but in this instance Federation Council has weighed in with its support due in part to the council area being part of the wider waste collection service with Albury, Wodonga and Indigo councils.
The JRPP will hear arguments from both sides and carry out a site inspection on the day.
Federation Council administrator Mike Eden is unsure whether he will present at the hearing given he has already had a major hand in its submission to the JRPP in support of the facility.
It's anticipated a decision will be made on the day of the hearing as was the case with Gerogery in 2013.
The JRPP ruled in the residents’ favour four years ago before Cleanaway mounted an unsuccessful appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
There is every likelihood the June 15 hearing won't be the end of the matter with the HCC already flagging they will appeal if the decision goes against them.
The major concerns for Howlong residents are odour and traffic movements.
Given the Gerogery experience Cleanaway should be having second thoughts about a court challenge if the decision doesn't go its way.
Albury Council has already made noises about being open to the suggestion of building a compost facility within its large scale waste management centre.
