HOWLONG Community Committee has signalled its intention to fight Cleanaway's plan to build a compost plant all the way to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
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The move comes after Albury Council on Monday night granted Cleanaway an extension to the interim organic waste collection arrangements until the Joint Regional Planning Panel rules on the development application to build the compost facility at the Howlong tip site.
But the JRPP hearing won't be the end of the matter if the decision goes against the HCC.
Uncertainty still surrounds the hearing date, but the JRPP website has nominated June 22-23, July 27-28 and August 24-25 for meetings in the next three months.
HCC chairman Stuart Sizer said Albury Council missed a "golden opportunity" to become the waste leaders in the region by agreeing to the extension requested by Cleanaway.
"Albury Council may find themselves in the same position in a couple of months time as they are currently are should the JRPP reject Cleanaway’s development application," he said.
"They are the main contributor of waste in the region and are the Cleanaway waste contract managers.
"They should demonstrate leadership and develop a long term waste management strategy that includes a worlds best practice compost facility.
"The HCC is confident of success at the JRPP hearing when it meets and hands down a decision on this matter.
"But if necessary will take the fight further to the NSW Land and Environment Court."
Albury mayor Kevin Mack conceded the ongoing delays were frustrating, but any suggestion of terminating the contract with Cleanaway would be "diabolical".
"We can't logistically start burying organic waste," he said.
"To leave that process in place right now is the smart move.
"If things fall over with the Howlong proposition we have to consider other options and one of those other options may be at our own facility."