Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility

This proposal is not the right development for what is a light industrial zoned block of land near Moss Vale town and homes. At 8 hectares and around 5 storeys in height this would dominate the landscape, alter the amenity and safety of the area, pose environmental hazards from microplastics and other chemicals, impact adjacent Garvan Industry, is within the Southern Highland Innovation Park which is undergoing a master planning process, create noise and air quality impacts, and pose a serious fire hazard (see Picton fire recently). This entire process has been a joke - the applicant has been fined in China for breaches of the environment, they have admitted they have never run an enterprise of this scale ever, bought the site because it was affordable and convenient, and have no clue about how to recycle plastics or manufacture associated products. No one other than the proponent thinks this is the right site. It is a carpet bagging enterprise which has been given way too much credence already

To close to nature reserve

Company History
The company has indicated (through its director) that it has no experience in plastics recycling nor does its operator. This presents an unacceptable risk to the environment and the community.

Environmental Impact

Residential Development
The residential area of Moss Vale and it’s surroundings have increased and are planned to increase significantly in residential developments and as indicated in the Wingecarribee Shire Councils website, the 6 new living areas that have been identified with 1500+ new dwellings which are planned for the area. With such an increase in residential development Plasrefine presents an unacceptable risk to the future of our existing and developing community.

Pollution

Water usage and waste
It has been indicated that Plasrefine will require between 5500 and 15500 litres of water per day.

Wingecarribee Reservoir
Capacity 30GL
Current Dam level 61% (as at 1st of November 2023)

One local resident’s household consumption of water is approximately 97 Litres, meaning Plasrefine would be using between 57 to 160 household’s worth of water per day. This presents an unacceptable risk to our water supply security and ultimately to the community predominantly due to the climate change risks and within recent times of the extreme and severe drought conditions that the area experienced over five years ago and with the current El Niño classification we will be experiencing drought conditions in the near future.

Waste
Plasrefine has indicated that it will expel around 2,500 litres of sewerage and 10,000 litres of waste water per day. The current waste water treatment facilities will not be capable of treating the waste with the anticipated future residential development as well as Plasrefine. This presents an unacceptable risk to the community.

Plasrefine have indicated that they will dispose of approximately 10,000 tonnes of residue and waste filters per day. Where will the toxic waste be disposed? The transportation of this toxic waste through residential streets and not directly bypassing residential areas presents an unacceptable risk to the community.

Traffic
It has been indicated that there will be upwards of 340 truck and vehicle movements in and out of the site. This presents an unacceptable risk to the local residents, schools, businesses and traffic.

Site
The site has been poorly chosen, is too small, too close to residential, rural and environmentally sensitive areas and is also in a mixed zoned area and not a specific heavy industrial zone. It is not fit for purpose. As such Plasrefine presents an unacceptable risk to the community and the environment and should not be allowed to proceed.

I totally object to the Plasrefine proposal to build a huge industrial operation at Moss Vale. I moved to Moss Vale to have clean and odour free air and not the environmental and health problems this proposal will obviously bring.
Concern should be given to Garvan institute next door. This is very important research facility which must take precedence and not be brushed aside by this unsuitable project.
Degradation of our roads - taxpayers cost- not acceptable.
Contamination of Sydney’s drinking water and the riparian zone
A massive drain on town’s water supply.
Our sewerage system totally inadequate.
Lack and unreliable system for community communication.
Appears to not be transparent about operations. In this day and age not acceptable.
Operators haven’t done this before - no credentials.
In case of fire we in Southern highlands do not have sufficiently equipped brigades.
Where are the site management and air quality plans? No survey of site mentioned.
Dangers with rail crossings.
Lights - not a proper assessment conducted using all lights. Totally unsuitable for such an area which includes nearby homes.
Disregard for people living in area.
Disregard for schools, aged living villages, preschool - dangers of continual large trucks, noise pollution health issues.
Other heavy industries being attracted and this not in council’s plans which people (ratepayers) have had a say in.
Currently a labour shortage in southern highlands so where will labour come from? No advantage to us. Where will they live?
The area is subject to prevailing westerlies which would carry any emissions towards Bowral and Burradoo. Area also subject to heavy fog which would prevent emission dispersal.
Of most concern are these statements “ would be complied with DURING Operation and will be developed after construction.
This is simply not the right site. We should not be the dumping ground for the plastic waste disposal from NSW and other states and territories.
As a person living in Moss Vale I expect that the rights of the community and my rights be respected when our health and safety are at stake. This type of operation will only contaminate the surrounding farms, vineyards homes and businesses - the environment. This means people s lives.

I most strenuously object to Plasrefine's application for a plastics recycling and fibre and resin factory for the following reasons:
1. Plasrefine has NO experience in the recycling of plastics yet is proposing an un-tested and dangerous factory sited in the most inappropriate location.
2. Environmental damage, including the appropriation and over-extraction from the area's already precarious water supply. Plasrefine would be using 5500-15,500 litres of water per day, the equivalent to some 57 to 160 households' daily water needs.
3. Pollution from more than 2500 litres of sewage and 1000 litres of waste water per day.
4. No safe provision for the disposal of some 10,000 tonnes of residue and waste filters per day.
5. Massive increase in movement of heavy trucks to and from the site (estimated at 100 trucks in and out of the plant daily). Damage to local roads and congestion around busy townships. The noise and dust would have a catastrophic effect on the lives of nearby residents, including the Australian Bio Resources (Garvan Institute).
6. Plastics processing and the manufacture of plastic fibres and resins produce toxic airborne and waterborne chemicals that virtually never biodegrade. Such pollution would seriously endanger the health of humans and livestock, and pollute important agricultural land.
7. Plasrefine's proposed factory would be less than 3km from the schools and homes of the historic country town of Moss Vale. The surrounding areas would also suffer from the environmental damage, heavy vehicle traffic and pollution. This would result in damage to local businesses and tourism (an increasingly important source of revenue throughout the Southern Highlands).

We hope the NSW Government agrees that, while recycling is important, it must be planned and carried out by experienced and responsible parties which prioritize the welfare of the environment, economy, existing and future populations. This proposal fulfils none of these criteria, therefore we vehemently object to Plasrefine's proposal.

I vehemently object to the proposed Plasrefine Plastics Recycling Facility in Moss Vale due to overwhelmingly negative impacts to the environment, the health of locals, and the Southern Highlands communities and economy.

My husband and I moved from Sydney to the Southern Highlands in 2022, with a 4 week old baby. We live in Moss Vale. We moved for a multitude of reasons, not least to be closer to grandparents, and to have more fresh air, green space, and a slower pace of life for our growing family. The proposed Plasrefine Facility site is situated very close to our house. We grow vegetables in our backyard. We walk or run our dog all over Moss Vale most days. I am now pregnant with our second child.

The Facility is in close proximity to 3 schools and 2 daycares (one that my daughter attends). The roads will become completely choked by large, loud, trucks despite the fact the Facility site is surrounded by rural and residential streets. This will negatively impact on our quality of life and health as well as increasing the risk of injury to locals (particularly school children and young families), given the lack of footpaths on many of the proposed access roads.

The Wingecarribee Council does not support the Facility.

The Southern Highlands residents do not support the Facility.

The EIS is vague in many parts, and at the community briefings, neither GHD nor the Plasrefine leadership could explain what, if any, filtering technologies would be used at the Facility to ensure the risk of micro and nanoplastics were eradicated as part of the recycling process. [See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/05/22/plastic-recycling-microplastic-pollution/]. In addition, there is no technology available that can completely filter micro and nanoplastics in the plastics recycling process. There is real risk to the water table; the health of locals; the local agricultural and winemaking economies as well as tourism industry if this Facility is permitted.

Plastic recycling facilities have a very high incidence of fire - including the emissions of toxic waste products. The Facility site is simply NOT THE RIGHT SITE given all the adverse effects and impacts and its close proximity to residents.

Finally, the Plasrefine owners concede they have no recycling experience and no experience working in the Australian regulatory framework. This places even greater risk to the local community and the environment given the sheer scale and size of this proposed Facility.

This project should not be approved. My family and I would like to live in Moss Vale for the future and enjoy the natural surrounds without worry and fear of environmental, social and toxic consequences.

I do not give permission for my private details to be published.

Kind regards

I strongly object to this project for the following reasons
1. The evidence of the impact of micro plastics being leaked into the environment is well documented including in a recent publication by the EPA in NSW which discusses "the problem with Plastics" and specifically refers to the undeniable issues surrounding micro plastics and the effects on human health, soil contamination and water contamination. The waterways of the Southern Highlands directly feeds into the Sydney drinking water catchment.
2. The critical risk of fire, which in the proposal is not mitigated , which places the entire area at risk of uncontrollable fire particularly in view of the limited fire fighting resources which are available in this rural area. The proposal does not demonstrate any understanding of this risk nor is there any plan discussed for management of a plastics fuelled fire.
3. The "stack" of the proposed facility will emit gases that are known to be toxic and harmful to humans and animals and there are only vague hypothetical mitigation measures in the proposal.
4. This facility is proposed to be situated only 3klms from the town of Moss Vale, it is proposed within a residential area and this is completely at odds with the amenity of the entire area of the Southern Highlands.
5. The proposed facility is by its very proposed operation a hazardous industry and therefore legally not permissible within the General Industrial Zone under the Local Environmental Plan of the Wingecarribee Shire Council.
6.At a community engagement session held in Moss Vale in March of 2022 the proponent publicly admitted that the only experience this company has in plastics recycling is that of visiting facilities in China. Surely to build such a hazardous industry a proponent requires more experience than visits to other facilities?
7. Regardless of what route the trucks entering and leaving the proposed facility are to be in excess of 100 per day and this poses further risk to the roads surrounding Moss Vale, an immediate decrease in the amenity of the Southern Highlands and a huge traffic volume which this rural area does not have the infrastructure to support nor the capacity to repair roads which are damaged. There is already an extremely long list of roads that require repair following the recent La Nina event which caused major damage during rain events.
8. The local medical facilities, available in the Southern Highlands, will not be able to manage treat and care for residents who, as a result of gases, micro plastics and water contamination, may need to seek specialist medical services both in the short and long term.
In conclusion, this proposal appears to be in direct conflict with a number of NSW Government strategies for environmental protection, management of waste products and improving the health of all communities.

I strongly object to the proposed Plastic Recycling Facility in Moss Vale. The proposed development should be refused on the following grounds:

1) The health effects on the community. There is extensive scientific research available that shows that micro plastic and toxic fumes from plastic recycling plants cause hormonal changes, infertility, heart problem and, cancer just to mention a few. The proposed development is within an alarmingly close proximity to my home and I am deeply concerned on the long-term health effects it will have on me and the members of my houseful.

2) The negative effect the facility will have on our town’s local economy and infrastructure. Although the development may generate some new jobs (some only temporary during the construction phase) it will destroy the livelihood of thousands in tourism, agriculture, hospitality, wine and honey industry and will have a domino effect on the rest of the local economy. Our road infrastructure will not be able to handle the increased amount of trucks passing through our town – truck numbers have NOT been transparent and there is no realistic way for the council to reinforce the proposed truck route. We already have too many trucks passing through as it is and the increased traffic impact the development will inflict will make the roads unbearable and deter tourists even further.

3) Environmental impacts. The proposed site affects ecologically sensitive land, with a watercourse that flows directly to the Wingecarribee river – this has the potential for irreversible damage to the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment. Not to mention the site will ensure the removal of critically endangered trees.

Moss Vale is not the right location for this recycling facility. The looming threat of this proposal has caused me great anxiety and distress over many years of opposing this development. Moss Vale is a beautiful town known for its peacefulness and beauty and this proposed development will ruin our town beyond repair, and I know many of my family, friends and neighbours feel the same.

Yours sincerely

I am writing as a concerned resident of the Southern Highlands, specifically Moss Vale, and I strongly object to the proposed development at 74-76 Beaconsfield Road, Moss Vale, by Plasrefine Pty Ltd.
My objections are based on the following grounds:
As a lifelong resident of The Southern Highlands, a concerned community member and long term employee of Australian BioResources, I strongly object to the proposed construction of the proposed Plasrefine plastic recycling factory in Moss Vale, especially with its close proximity to residential areas and the Australian Bioresources ( Garvan Institute). I believe that this development will pose numerous detrimental impacts on our community and the environment, as I have listed below.
The serious impacts of noise, vibration, and pollution on the Australian BioResources (Garvan Institute ) mouse breeding facility and their staff have been minimized, dismissed and no where adequately addressed. Australian BioResources is located at 9/11 Lackey Rd , Moss Vale and is the closest sensitive receptor at <50m from the proposed factory.
As noted directly from Technical Report 3 – Air Quality and Odour:
“The worst-case impacts for all pollutants occurs at the commercial receptor R001, the Australian BioResources Facility” is repeated more than once but presents no solutions or mitigations.
As noted directly from Technical report 2 - Noise and Vibration:
” It should also be noted that mice are nocturnal and the worst impact would occur during daylight hours during the construction phase of the proposal “ – this does not consider the fact that this factory will operate 24/7 and that mice are disrupted by noise and vibration even during those hours designated by GHD that they should be asleep …. The proposed measures ( notifications of works , community relations , community liaison , complaints handling ) are quite frankly inadequate when it comes to the impact on the mice housed at Australian BioResources as these impacts will not apparent until construction / operation commences. This risk is simply unacceptable, not only for the 60+ staff that Australian BioResources employs but also the mice housed within the world class facility and the Medical Research Industry in Australia and around the world .
The Air Quality and Odour Appendix J advises:
"that employees or laboratory mice at Australian Bioresources would ordinarily spend the majority of time in controlled air conditioned environments, and would therefore not be exposed to external, elevated air pollutant concentrations "which is ludicrious as it will be their own responsibility to monitor the air conditions as "all persons potentially exposed to elevated background air quality levels, including employees of Australian Bioresources, would be made aware of degraded air quality through DPE’s ‘Current andforecast air quality’ page, and would be able to further minimise their exposure to air pollution during these periods. As a current employee of Australian BioResources ( with over 15 years working on this site ) I can categorically state that we CAN detect odours and changes in the external environment from inside the buildings. There are no windows within the animal holdings but we can smell when it rains, smoke from bushfires / burn offs , fertilisers and when the grass is being mown from within the animal holdings . The insistence from GHD / Plasrefine that the odour and air quality from their factory will not impact the staff and research mice is both misinformed and farcical and will lead to irreversible impacts if not fully and adequately investigated prior to approval.
The proposal lacks sufficient consideration for the potential effects on residents and the local roads adjacent to the intended transportation route for contaminated plastic waste. Even though Taylor Avenue is expected to bear the greatest impact from the designated haulage route , the 1500 residents of New Berrima have been completely ignored and offered no specific consultation during the exhibition period.
The proposed haulage route presents significant safety concerns, particularly regarding the presence of three level rail crossings within a 3.5km distance that will cause significant delays and queuing along the designated route due to the frequency of rail movements. As this is a single line the same vehicles encounter the same train at all 3 crossings – this unfortunately leads to drivers trying to “race the train” to not get stuck at multiple crossings for extended periods of time. These safety issues have not been adequately addressed. Moreover, the proposed relocation of the level crossing will have a severe impact on other road users who rely on accessing Red Fields Rd, Collins Rd, Douglas Rd, and Lackey Rd all for the sole benefit of Plasrefine being able to access their factory from what is effectively an access road to a private site. Trucks queuing along both Douglas Rd and Collins Rd from the proposed access road will have detrimental impacts on other road users and pose safety issues with the rail movements along the line.
GHD has made at least 4 changes to the site access and haulage route over the past three years, prompted solely by community research and fact-finding rather than their own desktop analysis and Google Maps which has quite clearly proven inadequate. This pattern of changes highlights GHD's lack of thoroughness and their failure to fully understand the community and the proposed factory site. This lack of understanding is evident in various aspects of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which undermines confidence in the submitted documentation. The frequent alterations to the haulage routes have caused stress and anxiety within the community. It is necessary to clarify the availability of support and consent from Wingecarribee Shire Council regarding the use of the paper road.
The proposed relocation of the level crossing has raised concerns among business owners and road users on Douglas Rd , Collins Rd, Red Fields Rd and Lackey Rd. The lack of consultation about this relocation has led to suspicions that GHD / Plasrefine is prioritizing their own agenda over the interests of the community, as well as other business owners and operators.
The Sydney Water Catchment area could be severely impacted during both construction and operations, as the proposal has not addressed the potential issues of ground water contamination in case of a fire at the factory.
The proposal does not effectively address its impact on other land uses, as required by the Wingecarribee Shire Council LEP 2010. The council has repeatedly stated that this proposal is “out of sequence with the proposed development of the SHIP” and as such jeopardizes the long-term viability of the whole precinct. The proposal also fails to meet the objective of the LEP, which is to ensure that new development considers its spatial context and mitigates potential impacts on neighbourhood amenity, character, and road systems.
The proposal shows a complete disregard for the community of North-West Moss Vale and New Berrima. The potential socio-economic impacts, including changes in their lives, safety, and land values, as demonstrated in the SIA by Ethos Urban, must be considered.
The proposal continues to lack specific technical information about the machinery selected for operations (among many other “to be advised details “) and does not provide concrete data on emissions from these machines. Measurements, quantifiable data, and dimensions are missing or omitted from the information GHD has submitted, making it impossible to form a well-educated outlook of the proposal as a whole. Health issues associated with dust, vibration, and noise within 250m of the site cannot be assessed without accurate technical data from the individual machines. As this is yet another “after approval” proposal, there is insufficient consideration of resident amenity, including visual impact, given the scale and potential overdevelopment of the site. Landscape screening appears to be off-site and to have negligible impact on what can only be described as an enormous factory.
The amended water usage details are unclear, particularly how the water reduction will be achieved, which is in direct contradiction of the high sewer outputs still predicted in the current amendment.
The proposal does not adequately address the effects on New Berrima, Bowral, Burradoo, and the Southern Highlands as a whole, including traffic impacts, the impact on agriculture, fumes, microplastics, the impact on tourism, dust from construction, the impact on the residents of the WHOLE shire, and odour dispersion due to prevailing winds.
Insufficient information is provided about local employment opportunities. The Director’s statement about recruiting specialist services from outside Australia and the plant’s automated nature further clouds employment prospects for the community. Most community members have had negative interactions with GHD and minimal engagement with Plasrefine Recycling. The community engagement has been lacking and failed to foster a positive relationship. No further engagement regarding the now 4th change is access. Given the expected negative impacts (as outlined in the SIA by Ethos Urban) on the community and the lack of confidence in the proponent’s capabilities to manage a project of this magnitude, it is challenging to identify any public benefit from this proposal.
As such I insist that this proposal be deemed unsuitable for the current site and therefore be rejected by both the DPIE and the IPC. I also request that the IPC move to public hearing so those directly affected can be given the voice denied to them by both GHD and Plasrefine during this farcical “community consultation” process.
Whilst this is only 1 submission I do present this on behalf of the concerned employees of ABR and urge the DPIE & IPC to take this submission into consideration on their behalf.
Skye Pope

NOT THE RIGHT SITE!

This is not the right site for a plastics recycling plant
This is a green suburban area home to families of all ages as well as local wildlife species and birds
This Chinese recycling company should look to its own shore and land to develop a plastics recycling plant.
Allow the Moss Vale area to remain the beautiful green community that it is.

I strongly object to the Moss Vale Plastic waste recycling facility.

Most of my objections remain EXACTLY the same as all my original issues stated back in Feb - despite the 'community engagement' sessions and the social impact assessment, where the community again was silenced by last minute cancellations, limited sessions, sessions during working hours. Poor effort all around. All versions of the EIS (1,2 & 3) are FULL of inconsistencies and falsities with statements being incorrect and misleading.

It's NOT THE RIGHT SITE - it's mostly a residential area and whilst some of the land has much smaller industry to the rear, there are none of this size, scale, noise, emissions, use of water, heavy truck movements. It's a monstrous, ugly building. The designs are constantly changing, there are FAR TOO MANY 'we'll work it out when it's approved' which is simply not acceptable. The Wingecarribee Shire council does not support the application - it is a hazardous industry and therefore not supported in the LEP. DCP states it’s a buffer site.

What about the REMOVAL OF critically endangered trees - endangered ecological community (9 Eucalyptus Macarthurii) - at 17m high building over 5+acres, screened with tubestock - how long would they take to grow??!!

Let's be real, there's no real local employment. It’s mostly fully automated.
An overseas owner with acknowledged zero experience in this area, and known multiple safety breaches in his own country - also an overseas owner who has never fronted the community. Sending his neice, who thinks they're going to build a zoo next door. The company itself only registered in 2020 for the sole purpose of this application.

There will be significant impact to 2 x riparean water systems, HEAVY water usage - concerns over usage is still not suitably answered by GHD - they can change their numbers to make it sound better just to appease but what's the reality? Heavy water usage by a toxic waste factory when we’re facing water shortages. Great idea.

The microplastics seeping into the Sydney Catchment for drinking water. Unsuitable answers on all fronts for this.

The VERY high risk of fires in plastic waste factories. There was a major fire only a month ago.

Daily pollution of dangerous microplastics into the air and water systems. There is no information in the EIS that provides assessment on the effect of microplastics in the soil/water/air/human health. Research already exists about the toxic fumes affecting fertility, cancer, heart issues.

Daily noise pollution.

Daily child safety - preschool/public schools and effects of pollution on them. The ‘traffic study’ was conveniently conducted during the summer school holidays???!!!!
No footpaths exist on the roads touted as heavy goods route (considering it's 7 days/ all hours/ HUGE trucks) - not fair to say every 6 minutes as we all know about traffic, backing up...that would be fun, wouldn't it... 20 trucks lined up to 'unload' when the doors aren't meant to be open... the new route suggests they'll move the railway crossing - I mean, come on, I can see that train from our backyard at the moment and it's often not moving for extended periods. What would that do to the flow of traffic of B-double trucks??!!

The company employed to manage the project are not local, they don't know the area, they arrogantly spout policy, they have tried to silence the community by trying to avoid in-person community engagement sessions, they attempt to limit attendees, they prevented questions from being asked in person, allowing only 'written' questions, they have been selective with their answering of questions. They are simply not allowing the community the right to object in the most appropriate way. The SIA was also poorly run for similar reasons.

What about tourism, wine, local businesses? ‘Welcome to the Southern highlands - be sure to wear a mask and don’t eat or drink anything whilst you’re here as everything is tainted by toxic microplastics’ What a great advertisement. How to ruin a strong local community in one fell swoop.

Personally, we are in very close proximity to this and would be one of the most impacted - we'd never be able to sell our house - who would want this over their back fence?. We have small children, they would grow up with microplastics in their lungs. The air would be polluted. Our garden and vineyard wouldn't be safe - we would lose our efforts over the past 4 years, the road would be like a freeway, loud, heavy, constant and just simply unbearable.
IT'S NOT THE RIGHT SITE
I could not object to this proposal more fiercely and I cannot believe that almost 3 years in to this, we’re still in the same position. When will the government listen and agree ITS NOT THE RIGHT SITE and reject the development.

I live in Moss Vale I’m extremely concerned by the above proposal.


Too close to a town.
Concerned by pollution. Toxic emissions.Prevailing winds towards town. Local rivers impacted by pollution.
Concerned by the huge amount of road traffic that will be generated 24/7.
Land values reduction.

I strongly object to the Plasrefine proposal. Whilst I'm sure we all agree that plastic is a problem, and there needs to be a solution to the disposal of plastic for the sake of our planet - this is simply NOT THE RIGHT SITE for such a facility.
The proposed site appears to have been chosen by the proponent simply because it was affordable to them. Whilst the site is within the boundaries of the Wingecarribee Council's SHIP (Southern Highlands Innovation Park) the council itself has commented that this particular parcel of land is part of the "transitional interface" of the SHIP, and is classified as an enterprise precinct with the intention being it was to be used for light industrial and commercial office space. The proposed plastic recycling facility is neither.
The proposed site currently has no direct road access, with many "solutions" being put forward by the proponent, none of them being suitable to the surrounding community. The main road access it to be built across land where the Garvan Institute's mice breeding facility is located. This is an environmentally sensitive facility which does important work in medical testing. This cannot be compromised in any way.
The hundreds of trucks which are forecast to deliver plastic waste to the facility are now proposed to travel through New Berrima. This is not acceptable in any way for the numbers of trucks and hours of operation - and that is only after they have built their access road, and had a level crossing moved.
The operator of this proposed facility has admitted to having NO experience in operating such a facility, and has only visited examples of such a facility in China. He himself (Mr Lyu) has received environmental sanctions in China - what faith could we possibly have that the proposed facility would be operated in a responsible and compliant manner?
The community consultation on the proposed facility has been almost non existent, with no real answers provided to the numerous concerns raised by the community. The risks to us as residents are immense:
* toxic waste being released into the local waterways, which flow directly to Warragamba Dam and Sydney's water supply
* toxic waste and microplastics being released into the air from the chimney stack - what does that hold for our children's future? Will this cause cancer clusters? The proposed methods of the proponent are not tested and documented
* the facility would be located less than 3 km from the town centre of Moss Vale, and just a few hundred metres from a childcare facility, with two local primary schools just a few km away.
* the light and noise pollution from such a large scale facility will be huge
* the risk of fire is huge - media reports of fires in facilities such as these are frequent. Our local fire service does not have the expertise to fight such a fire, and the nearest HAZMAT team is approximately one hour away. Given the surrounding bush areas to the proposed site, the risk of such a fire developing into a major bush fire is immense. Living just a few streets away from this proposal, I would be extremely worried for my life and my property should a fire occur. A fire would also release toxins into the air and the water ways, causing massive detriment to the environment.

The Southern Highlands is not the place for such heavy industry as this. People move here for the clean air, the rural aspect, and life style. The proposed truck route through New Berrima is also a prime entry point for tourists from the Hume Highway - what a welcome they would have being caught up in the constant truck movements.
This would be a major blight on our landscape, affecting tourism and local food/wine production. We do not want to look like Port Kembla!
This facility is much better suited on land directly on a major road or highway, with direct access for the trucks. It should also be operated by those with experience and proven track record in the safe and effective operation of such a facility.
There does not appear to be any benefit to the local community from the facility - the job creation is negligible with most tasks being automated, and those that require humans being unskilled tasks.
This is simply NOT THE RIGHT SITE and NOT THE RIGHT PROPONENTS.

I strongly object as this is a major hazard to hundreds of residential properties, their occupants and the local environment.

I strongly object as the proposed location is a major hazard to hundreds of residential properties, their occupants and the local environment.
The properties surrounding the proposed site and all access roads are highly populated areas, mainly by families with young children. The proposed location puts these residents in danger and at risk of severe health hazards. Additionally, construction of any access roads would generate a significant adverse impact on the residential area and safety of residents living near the site. The proposed site will expose Sydney Water Catchment to unavoidable contamination with microplastics and chemicals used. Furthermore, the air quality and operational air emissions cannot be guaranteed at all. The westerly winds in this location are extremely strong which will spread this pollution to other areas including historic Bowral, not just Moss Vale. We cannot rely on the owners to maintain and supervise this monstrosity, their history has proven this multiple times.
The land/property value of Moss Vale will be drastically affected and the entire Southern Highlands as a tourism destination will be impacted.
In addition to the aforementioned, Plastic Centres are known for causing uncontrollable fires. The site is surrounded by dry grass and many homes, all of which are at risk.
The potential leaching of plastics into our waterways and into the air we breathe is too great a risk!

The location of the site in my opinion is in the wrong place. The southern highlands is a growing area with many visitors to the region.
From what I have researched, the pollution/smell that the plant will produce could servilely affect the air quality of Moss Vale and Bowral and the southern highlands. This could impact the southern highlands as a tourist destination and being a small business owner I rely on many visitors to the area. I feel this type of plant should be further away from major towns, especially the southern highlands so we can continue to grow as a tourist destination.
Thank you

I'm writing to you in great concern of your Proponents proposal to build a Plastic Recycling Facility on 74-76 Beaconsfield Road Moss Vale.

This will be one of Australia's largest plastic recycling factories , a serious Industrial operation that has been proposed to be built less than 3 klm from the centre of the township of Moss Vale, Daycare Centres, Schools & High Schools. Our future generations!.

Anyone who lives here knows the horrendous prevailing westerlies that roar through this corridor, which would carry emissions towards the neighbouring towns of Bowral and Burradoo.

Our winter months see heavy low fogs which hang around until mid morning, thus trapping emission dispersal.

I have read that " all captured air would be piped to air pollution control for treatment prior to being emitted from a stack above the roof"
You have omitted to mention what that treatment is or wether it has been tested in Australia.

There has been no specific plan for the safe removal of 9000 tonnes of dewatered sludge and no destination mentioned.

This will create a massive drain on our towns water supply especially during droughts & bushfire.
Transfer of huge quantities of waste water into our sewer system which is not yet upgraded will not cope.
Not to mention the heavy vehicles degrading our all ready devastated roads.

The beautiful Southern Highlands is a big part of the Sydney water catchment scheme. Delivering water to millions of people.
My family has a farm here 5 generations and we have so many restrictions placed upon us as what we can do as to NOT inhibit the quality of the water supply passed onto Sydney..We abide by this....

Yet, here we have this huge plastic factory proposal that is wanting to build in the WRONG PLACE and affect not only our residents of The Southern Highlands but be of risk to millions.
Thankyou for taking time to read my letter.

I object to the proposed Plasrefine Plastics Recycling Facility at 74-76 Beaconsfield Rd Moss Vale.
I live with my wife Evelyn Garnett and our three children at our property at 46 Bulwer Rd Moss Vale, just a few hundred metres from the site of the proposed facility. My children’s ages range between 11 and 18. The proposed facility is within clear view from our backyard.
MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO THE DUST, NOISE, VIBRATION, HEAVY VEHICLE TRAFFIC, SMELL AND LIGHT POLLUTION EMITTED BY FACILITY THROUGHOUT ITS ENDLESS 24X7 YEAR-ROUND OPERATION. My wife and one of my daughters suffer from asthma and allergy, and WE ARE ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED ABOUT THE IMPACT ON US FROM PLASTIC DUST, CHEMICALS AND FUMES AS A RESULT OF LIVING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED FACILITY.
I am extremely concerned about the impact these emissions may have, not only on my family’s health but also the health of residents of the local community. I refer to IMPACTS SUCH AS CANCER CLUSTERS, RESPIRATORY, REPRODUCTIVE, EYE AND SKIN CONDITIONS FROM EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS IN PLASTIC BEING PROCESSED.
I am deeply worried about the impact of this facility on the value my family’s most valuable material asset, our family residence. BEING IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THIS FACILITY WILL CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT DEVALUATION OF OUR PROPERTY. WE HAVE NO OTHER INVESTMENTS. THIS FACILITY WILL DESTROY THE LIFESTYLE THAT MY WIFE AND I HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE FOR OUR FAMILY. My wife and I searched and saved for 5 years to purchase our property at this idyllic location and we both work to maintain the mortgage payments.
I am extremely concerned about the effects of pollution and heavy vehicle traffic from the proposed facility on wildlife in nearby waterways including the many ducks around Lytton and Beaconsfield Road. They will lose their habitats or be run over by trucks. TOXIC RESIDUES FROM THIS FACILITY WILL FIND THEIR WAY INTO THE SURROUNDING AGRICULTURAL LAND, LIVESTOCK, CROPS AND INTO THE WATERCOURSE THAT FLOWS DIRECTLY TO THE WINGECARRIBEE RIVER AND THE SYDNEY WATER CATCHMENT.
I am extremely concerned about the impact of heavy traffic conveying waste and recycled material in and out of the facility through residential areas. I refer to impacts such as dust, emissions from heavy vehicles, waste/recycled material falling off or being blown off these vehicles, noise from heavy vehicles. The amount of heavy vehicle traffic this facility will introduce to the roads passing through our residential areas presents a RISK TO THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE CHILDREN WHO GO FOR WALKS AND RIDE THEIR BICYCLES AROUND THE LOCAL STREETS.
THE SCALE OF THE PROPOSED FACILITY IS FAR TOO BIG FOR THE SITE. The proposed facility is within a few hundred metres of where people live, and the local Development Control Plan (DCP) doesn’t allow for this type of heavy industry on that site. The DCP states that the site is in a BUFFER zone which intended to minimise the impact on residents from heavier industries which should be located in areas specifically zoned for those uses. Our local council THE WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL (WSC) IS NOT SUPPORTIVE OF THE DEVELOPMENT.
Being in a rural region, OUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES HAVE ONLY LIMITED RESOURCES AND WOULD NOT BE EQUIPPED TO HANDLE A MAJOR FIRE/DISASTER AT THE FACILITY. There seems to be an ever-increasing number of fires in waste facilities, and this is a waste facility.
Plasrefine have no corporate history and hence no track record to speak of. PLASREFINE ADMIT TO HAVING NO EXPERIENCE IN PLASTICS RECYCLING.
PLASTIC DUST WILL BE EMITTED from the facility and THE EMISSIONS WILL CONTAIN MICROPLASTICS AND TOXINS KNOWN TO BIOACCUMULATE. There is no way this can be avoided. THERE IS ALSO THE EVER-PRESENT RISK OF HUMAN ERROR OR SYSTEM FAILURE RESULTING IN SPILLS, ACCIDENTS, OR DISASTER DESPITE SEEMINGLY ADEQUATE SAFETY MEASURES.
Moss Vale has been a magnet for travelers for more than a century, they are drawn to the lush landscapes, bucolic charm, and pretty village. A new generation of food-makers, wineries, retailers, and hoteliers continue to make the region the ideal travel destination to unwind, refresh and rejuvenate. THE WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL , BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS HAVE SPENT AN IMMEASURABLE AMOUNT OF TIME, EFFORT AND MONEY POSITIONING MOSS VALE AS A TRAVEL DESTINATION AND RELY ON TOURISM FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD.
I cannot understand how this industrial monstrosity is being considered for the beautiful, pristine, peaceful, and natural environment of Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands. ALL of my friends and neighbours, some of whom are farmers in this district, have the same concerns as I do with this proposed abomination.

I formally which to object to this proposal on a number of grounds.

The southern highlands is a beautiful location known for its tourism agriculture and rural living. To put a major industrial facility on the edge of town is inappropriate.

Both GHD and the Plasterfine members can not be trusted. GHD. Uses words like “it’s the intent”. And takes no responsibility for the end result matching the proposal or the claims made. The owners of plasterfine do not live in the highlands the environmental consequences are not there concern. They are about profit and shipping this profit overseas. They also show little experience in running these facilities.

The fire risk as shown all over the world is huge. This would lead to large amount of very toxic fumes being pushed over residential homes and near by child care facilities. There is no appropriate fire and rescue facility in the highlands to deal with such a disaster

The proposal lacks details on how they will stop micro plastics entering Sydney water catchment or air partials damaging the local residents and children in child care and local schools.

The proposal would lead to large numbers of trucks on the road every day. Crossing multiple rail lines. Adding significant diesel fumes to the highlands.

The proposals social impact statement was poorly completed with narrow options to contribute and conversations were steared by GHD

The proposal has no support from local council or from the local and state members of parliament in its current location.

This is a huge concern for me and my family, to the point we are considering moving out of area to avoid the potential health end environmental catastrophe.