THE price tag of Cleanaway’s proposed compost plant on the outskirts of Howlong could soar by more than $1 million.
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Additional costs on top of the original outlay of $8.5 million will be required to meet the 130 conditions of approval handed down by the joint regional planning panel.
They include the upgrade of the Howlong-Goombargana Road and the intersection with Riverina Highway which will be at Cleanaway’s expense and not Federation Council.
Cleanaway will also need to fully enclose the receivals shed for the compost plant within the Howlong tip site.
The company is “reviewing” the updated list of conditions.
“Cleanaway welcomes the JRPP decision approving the development application for the Howlong composting facility,” the company said in a statement.
“Cleanaway is reviewing the conditions to the approval.
“The process undertaken by the JRPP was rigorous with important environment, planning and community issues tested at length.
“Composting plays an important role in the sustainable management of organic waste, collected from the four councils of Albury, Wodonga, Indigo and Federation, converting it into compost for local agricultural re-use, diverting this material from landfill.
“The facility has been designed to compost in a controlled, aerobic environment ensuring there are no adverse impacts on the local community.
“We remain committed to working closely with the local community during the next phase of the project.”
A community consultative committee made up of Federation Council and community representatives also needs to be formed and meet quarterly to “raise matters of concern associated with the environmental impact of the development”.
A sign at the entrance of the site advising of a complaints hotline number has to be erected and GPS technology installed in trucks to log speed and routes taken by drivers.
Construction work also has to start within two years or approval lapses.
