FEDERATION Council has created a potential legal landmine by reversing its support for a compost facility on the edge of Howlong.
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At the first meeting of the elected council on Tuesday a recommendation from general manager Chris Gillard to stay the course on allowing Cleanaway to build the $8.5 million plant was unanimously rejected.
Cleanaway was recently granted approval from the Joint Regional Planning Panel for the facility, but the withdrawal of council support is a major setback for the company.
Deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch moved the motion to no longer support the venture in a move described by Howlong Community Committee chairman Stuart Sizer as a massive fillip for the town.
“The repercussions of the decision aren’t quite clear yet,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s a game-changer, but there could be legal ramifications.
“We can’t be conclusively certain, but it is better than where we’ve been for the last six to nine months.”
A Cleanaway spokesperson said the company was “disappointed” with the decision.
“We’ve undergone a rigorous review process with important environment, planning and community issues tested at length and believe that we have designed a compliant facility, appropriately co-located with the Howlong landfill and waste water treatment plant,” the spokesperson said.
“We are yet to review our options and are not in a position to comment any further at this stage.”
Former Federation administrator Mike Eden, who had publicly backed the facility, declined to comment.
Newly elected mayor Pat Bourke, who has attended the many meetings on the issue in recent months, said council had made the right call.
“It had to be dealt with,” he said.
“Going forward people can be given confidence the council is here to listen to the people.
“It will be step by step from here.
“I wouldn’t commit to any other solutions other than investigating and asking the communities if there is any interest out there.”
A heads of agreement struck between council and Cleanaway to use land within the Howlong tip was agreed to last year in the absence of elected councillors.
Cr Paul Miegel said he reluctantly supported the decision to withdraw support.
“If council is about bringing communities together I don’t think I can support a motion that continues to divide it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Albury Council has extended the interim rubbish collection arrangements with Cleanaway until November.