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This is one reaction to news a $600 million Jerrara Power waste to energy proposal in Bungonia would not go ahead. The news came after changes to the Energy from Waste Infrastructure Plan were announced by the NSW Government this morning.
The project, pegged for 974 Jerrara Road, was proposed in April to process up to 330,000 tonnes of mainly Sydney waste per year and generate some 30 megawatts of power.
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Under the updated plan waste to energy projects can only proceed in the heavy-industrial zoned Southern Goulburn Mulwaree precinct. This encompasses the Woodlawn facility footprint, which will need to meet stringent planning requirements to be approved.
Projects outside of the industrial precinct will not be permitted, with limited exceptions.
The proposed land in Bungonia is zoned RU2.
As a result, Jerrara Power indicated they would withdraw the development application for the Bungonia incinerator.
In a statement released on Facebook, the company said they remained committed to the development of an energy from waste facility in NSW.
Jerrara Power was contacted for further comment.
Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman said the community had fought long and hard to achieve the wanted outcome.
In a letter to residents Mrs Tuckerman acknowledged "the enormous impact this fight has had in individuals and the community, but I wish to thank each and every one of you for your support and representations."
"This is a great outcome for Bungonia and surrounding communities," she said.
"I recognise the community of Tarago will still have to endure the planning process for the Woodlawn precinct proposal. I will continue to support and advocate on behalf of the community.
"We welcome the economic and employment benefits that come with these projects but only in appropriate locations where they have good transport connectivity and complimentary industries.
"The plan also requires operators of energy from waste projects to make emissions data available to the community in real time online, to boost community confidence and transparency."
Jerrara Action Group member and Bungonia resident Leisha Cox-Barlow said she was "super elated" with the news.
"It's still quite surreal, we expected a bigger fight and were told it would take a couple of years."
Despite the good news, Mrs Cox-Barlow said some people in the community were "still feeling fractured because of the whole ordeal".
"It's consumed so much of our lives," she said.
Despite everything, the fight brought the community together.
"It's not just Bungonia that's celebrating," Mrs Cox-Barlow said.
"Now we need to lend our support to Tarago.
"I don't think anyone should have a toxic incinerator blowing over them."
The Bungonia advocate thanked everyone involved in opposing the proposal.
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