The company estimates over 800 large vehicle movements to and from the facility daily, 365 days a year, to bring waste to the incinerator from outside the Scenic Rim on our country roads and highways.
Can we afford to have one of the largest incinerators in Australia operating here?
The Scenic Rim brand is well known for its clean and healthy produce and tourism experiences, which has enabled the region to become a must-visit destination for visitors from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and in fact from all around the world.
Community, business, and local government have worked hard together over many years to build the reputation of our thriving region to keep the Scenic Rim spectacular, but now there are growing grave concerns about protecting these values and the health and well being of our local community.
As members of community group Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic have been engaging with the community across the region about the proposed incinerator, it’s become clear that many living here are unaware of this planned development and its potential impacts, and need further information to enable them to make informed decisions on this major project when submissions are called later this year.
Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic are holding a series of public information forums and presentations across the region. Around 80 people attended the initial forum at Beaudesert late last year.
Potential damages to agriculture, human and livestock health cannot be underestimated.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission rejected a similar application for Western Sydney, citing "uncertainty in relation to the human health risks and site suitability", which resulted in the then state government passing legislation prohibiting incinerators from being built in Greater Sydney.
Communities living near these facilities in other parts of the world report impacts to health and agriculture. Should regional families, agriculture and tourism businesses bear the brunt of this toxic industry rather than our urban neighbors?
Waste incinerators release toxic air pollutants, including forever chemicals, produce toxic ash, and are the dirtiest form of energy production. Because there is no sorting prior to incineration, a high percentage of materials burnt will be plastics.
They are a polluting, expensive and unsustainable technology that undermines zero waste circular economy strategies, by competing for the same materials as recycling and composting operations and destroying valuable resources and their embedded energy.
Regional communities around Australia are being faced with the threat of incinerators and are vehemently campaigning against these facilities. Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic is linking with these communities to share their stories, and information from scientists and medical professionals.
In just a few short days, our online petition gathered over 500 signatures. Please add your name.
To find out more about the potential impacts on you, your children, your business, and your community, the next Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic public forum will be held at the Boonah State School Assembly Hall at 2pm on Sunday 22 February. All are welcome to attend and are encouraged to arrive early for tea, coffee and refreshments.
