Randwick City Council has raised serious concern about a new plan from the state’s environmental regulator that could pave the way for the unpopular Matraville incinerator to be revived.

An options paper released by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) – which is on exhibition now for community comment – proposes changing the definitions around 'thermal treatment'. Council is opposed to this change.

Importantly, the options paper is a draft only and has not yet been adopted and the existing law effectively prohibiting incineration at Matraville remains in place. There is currently no incinerator proposal in Matraville.

However, if the change is adopted, and approved by the NSW Government, it could provide a planning pathway for applications similar to the application previously considered at Matraville.

The Opal Paper Mill in Matraville was the subject of a joint application to build an incinerator with waste company Suez (now Veolia) in 2019 which was subsequently withdrawn after a concerted community campaign.

The NSW Government in 2022 implemented a law change which effectively prohibited energy from waste that sought to substitute gas as a fuel source. The paper mill currently uses natural gas as their main energy source.

Council has written to the NSW Minister for Environment, Penny Sharpe, conveying its strong opposition to any potential weakening of the law as it applies to Matraville and has sought an urgent meeting with the EPA to discuss their proposal. Federal MP Matt Thistlethwaite and State MP Michael Daley are also actively lobbying against any change which could have adverse consequences for the community.

“Council has been reassured by the NSW Government that the intention is certainly not to allow a ‘back door’ for incinerators through the planning system in Sydney but we remain vigilant and steadfastly opposed to any change that has unintended consequences for Matraville,” Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said.

“We’ve been advised to expect a final decision around the settings by the middle of the year.

“I acknowledge that this is concerning news for our community who fought so hard to oppose the Matraville incinerator in the past. Our collective position has not changed – Council, local MPs, and the community remain steadfastly opposed.

“We’ve worked together before with the community and common sense won the day so we’re confident it will again but this process will take a bit of time.

“Randwick Council is making a submission, seeking an urgent meeting, and lobbying strongly against the rule change proposal and encourages the community to do the same. It is important for people to understand that the existing legal protections against an incinerator remain in place while the law is under review as the NSW EPA’s suggestions have not yet been adopted.”

The ‘NSW Energy from waste – options paper’ is currently on public exhibition until 8 April 2025.

Members of the community are strongly encouraged to review the plans and to lodge a submission on the EPA website or by emailing energyfromwaste@epa.nsw.gov.au.