Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility

Toxins produced to environment leading to health issues
Too close to town centre & additional loads on water & roads

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed PlasRefine plastic recycling facility in Moss Vale.

The industrial nature of this facility is completely unsuitable for residential and agricultural communities who call Moss Vale. Moss Vale is renowned for its livestock reering, farmers' markets, and traditional agricultural shows and seasonal festivals which form the heart of our community and contribute significantly to the character and identity of our town. The proposed industrial recycling facility directly threatens the continuation of these traditions.

The international company who intended to build the 15 metre high factory with a 22 metre exhaust stack, covering 8 acres to process toxic plastic waste, does not have any relationship with this community and appears to be unaware or disinterested in the detrimental ramifications it will cause on the local community.
Moss Vale is simply NOT the best site for a facility of this nature, with facility's intention to operate every hour and day of the year, it will severely disrupt the quality of life of every residents and families in Moss Vale. A more industrialised location with existing road infrastructure, away from farms and children is the best place for industrial waste processing facilities.

One of the primary concerns with this proposed recycling facility is the potential for environmental and health hazards it poses to this community. The emission of toxic substances from the recycling process, including noxious fumes, airborne particulates, and hazardous chemicals, is a matter of great concern. The toxic emissions from such an operation could endanger the health of our residents, the livestock, the fertile agricultural lands that surround our town and the health of our community.

Moss Vale's rich agricultural tradition is built on the foundation of clean air and water, essential elements for livestock health and crop production. These beautiful aspects of Moss Vale and the community are at significant risk if the development goes forward. Furthermore, the aesthetic and cultural impact of a plastic recycling facility in the vicinity of Moss Vale is a grave concern. The toxic waste, constant industrial traffic that often accompany such operations are significantly out of place in our residential and pastoral community. Moss Vale has a unique charm and character that draws people from near and far to experience its rural beauty. An industrial facility like this threatens the very essence of Moss Vale's identity.
The presence of an industrial plastic recycling facility in close proximity to our farms and residential homes puts these crucial components of our community at risk. The risk of contamination, both in the air and water sources, could have devastating consequences for our agricultural sector, which is not only a source of livelihood but also a source of pride and tradition. Moreover, there could be a mass exodus and devaluation of land, if families and residents choose to leave Moss Vale if the PlasRefine Industrial Waste Processing facility goes forth.

In conclusion, I strongly urge you to reconsider the proposed plastic recycling facility in Moss Vale. The risks it poses to the environment, the health and well-being of our community, as well as the cultural and agricultural heritage we hold dear are too great to ignore. I implore you to prioritise the values and traditions that make Moss Vale the beloved community it is today, and to reject this ill-suited industrial development.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will make the right decision for the future of Moss Vale and its residents, and chose more suitable site for the PlasRefine recycling facility.

Sincerely,
Charlotte Power

I Strongly object to the establishment of the proposed Plasrefine facility being build on rural land adjacent to hundreds of family homes and home to local wild life with the Garven Institute in the same area. The proposed design of the building and stack will be greater than 22 metres emitting smoke and micro plastics 24/7 as proposed for 3 shifts of workers each day. The demand for water for the facility would come from collecting their rainwater for this purpose which would not go far if the building would catch fire as many of them have in the past. How would they deal with the waste products ie sludge - discharge it into the local creek maybe? My concern is for the pollution and the amount of B double trucks and extra traffic on our already congested town roads. The fact that the principal owner has a very poor tract record for pollution in his own country speaks volumes also I would not be surprised if a majority of the labour force were not Chinese Nationals, Moss Vale is not the right site, plenty of room around Canberra

There is an urgent need for a facility of this type to be developed so that plastics which cannot currently be managed/reprocessed (following the demise of RED). The proposed location is in a location zoned for industrial projects like this, and assuming that the development approval is conditioned for compliance with relevant environment, Government and Local Government regulations it should be capable of being constructed and operated with manageable impact on the community.
I am mindful that a proposal for a waste to energy proposal near Marulan was refused recently, not withstanding the fact that two projects using the same technology are soon to be commissioned in Kwinana, Western Australia, having completed the approval processes required by the WA Government.
The simple "not in my back yard" objection is not appropriate.
I support the properly conditioned project - it should be developed along with the infrastructure needed to facilitate its operation.

I wish to express my strong opposition to the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility SSD—9409987. I write as a resident of Moss Vale and surrounding NSW Southern Highlands.
I have many concerns with regard to the impact on the community and the environment. I have been dismayed at the apparent lack of consultation within the community by the consulting company GHD, and what appears to be a lack of genuine desire to understand the social impact of this development on the community. I am concerned about the complete disregard of community sentiment by the proponents’ director. By the director’s own admission, she has no experience in plastic recycling and nor does the Chief Technical Operator, Mr Lyu Yalin, noted in the scope.

Of great alarm is that the proponent has stated that this site was selected mainly due to the fact the land was for sale and affordable.

The scale and purpose of the proposal is highly unsuitable for the site, situated adjacent to sensitive land uses such as the Garvan Institute, residential homes, childcare centre, a school, and on cattle farming land.

I understand the Director of Plasrefine, Nanxi Zheng, admitted that she and her uncle Mr Lyu have only visited recycling facilities in China, this is their only experience of the industry. This lack of experience does not give confidence to me that the proponents are capable of the successful construction and operation of such a contentious and potentially harmful facility. Evidence suggests that further investigation into plastic incineration facilities is required to determine the impacts to health and the environment.

I also note that the proposal requires an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) to be obtained, and although this determination is separate to the DA process, much consideration should be given to whether the applicant is considered to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

Of particular concern is the road and transport access. If approved, this project will have up to 200 truck movements per day in a residential area along narrow, unsurfaced (in places) country roads that service multiple residential properties. The proposal advises that a new access road be provided that extends from the plastics recycling and reprocessing facility site to Lackey Road via the currently unformed Braddon Road (paper road), and Beaconsfield Road.

With no detailed site surveys included in the EIS, it is difficult to understand how the proposal will navigate the difficulties of this site without causing significant and ongoing impacts on surrounding land uses, and the contamination of the water table with water-borne ‘forever chemicals’. Prevailing winds will on most occasions distribute toxic air over not only adjacent residential and other sensitive areas of Moss Vale but also Burradoo, Bowral, Mittagong and Southern Highlands villages.

In conclusion, I am concerned that any proponent can put forward a potentially hazardous project on the cheapest land they can find, in the most inappropriate location. The negative impacts of the development, including traffic, visual, noise, odour, water and the social impacts on community far outweigh any other public benefit that such a development can offer and which can be better utilised on a site more suitable. I oppose this development and ask the proposal be refused for the reasons sited.

There has to be a better site to operate this facility that is far away from a major residential community. There is no doubt that there will be pollution risks and an overloading on our already damaged transport infrastructure. The community struggles to keep its roads functioning in wet weather with large number of pot holes occuring. If there is 280 heavy vehicles using it in addition current use, they are going to cause more damage to the roads on the proposed route.
I have a serious concern over the waste from plastics getting into our water system and into the bodies of local residents. There are no controls over the makeup of the plastics that would be processed. As much as the proposal will tell you otherwise, there are no guarantees that forever chemical will not be processed in a plant and that they will not make their way into our water system. They will not be testing the makeup of 120000 tonnes of plastic per annum to confirm that it is safe from these chemicals. The best they will do is to sample and produce statistical analysis. There are too many risks here. We know the impact of PFAs on the community in Jervis bay and the major increase in cancer occurring in that population and the increase in deaths due to it.
Please reject this submission. It is not the right location. It needs to be a significant distance away from a population to migrate the risks to communities from the effects of waste and transport infrastructure. The owners of the proposal are being lazy by choosing a site in the middle of a community area because it is cheap and easy to suit their purposes. It shows the character of the owners of the company in a bad light and it demonstratea that they are unlikely to be exceptional guardians over the environment which would be required to operate a plastics refinery properly.

I strongly oppose the proposed Moss Vale recycling facility. I am very concerned about the environmental pollution and health risks posed by the plastic recycling process.Toxic chemicals which are hazardous to our health should not be anywhere near our communities. A report from Greenpeace of peer reviewed research concluded that ‘recycled plastics often contain higher levels of chemicals that can poison people and contaminate communities. The additional heavy vehicle traffic through residential areas is another concern.
Why has the community consultation been so inadequate? Everyone living in the Southern Highlands should be informed about this proposal and must be given the opportunity to make a submission.
A plastics recycling facility will have a huge negative impact on the health and amenity of the Southern Highlands and should not be given approval.

Please find attached a word document where I have outlined my concerns and questions in relation to the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility Amended Application (SSD-9409987).

SSD-9409987 - PlasRefine Pty Ltd

29th October 2023

I am writing to vehemently object to the most recent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the PlasRefine plastic recycling plant proposed in Moss Vale. My concerns are grave and encompass several critical issues, including fire risk, air quality, noise pollution, toxic transmission, and the potential distressing impact on my 87-year-old mother who resides within 800m of the proposed plant. I believe that this is the wrong location for a Plastic recycling plant.

1. Fire Risk:
The EIS insufficiently addresses the alarming fire risk associated with plastic recycling plants. The inherent combustibility of plastic materials and the heat generated during recycling processes demand a comprehensive fire prevention and response plan. Failing to do so puts the community and environment at significant risk.

2. Air Quality:
The EIS does not adequately address air quality concerns associated with the PlasRefine plant. The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter during recycling processes poses a severe threat to public health.

3. Noise Pollution:
Noise pollution from plant operations poses a major threat to the well-being of the surrounding community and industry. The EIS lacks a comprehensive noise mitigation plan, which is essential to prevent disturbances for local residents.

4. Toxic Transmission and Sludge:
The EIS should address concerns related to toxic transmission and the handling of toxic sludge generated during the recycling process. The potential release of harmful substances into the environment should not be taken lightly, and a detailed plan for containment and safe disposal is imperative.

5. Impact on Vulnerable Residents:
My 87-year-old mother, who resides within 800m of the proposed facility, is especially vulnerable. The distress and disruption caused by the plant's operation may necessitate her relocation, which is a distressing prospect at this stage of her life.

In conclusion, I urge the PlasRefine Corporation to recognize the gravity of these concerns. The latest EIS does not comprehensively address fire risk, air quality, noise pollution, toxic transmission, and the potential displacement of vulnerable residents like my mother.
The community's well-being, safety, and quality of life should be the utmost priority in this decision-making process. I believe this is the wrong site for a plastic recycling operation.

Sincerely,
Robert McKern

I am making a submission in opposition to the above-mentioned State Significant Development by Plasrefine Recycling Pty Ltd

Beaconsfield Road is not an appropriate site for this project. I live in Oldbury Street Berrima which is approximately 5 km from the proposed factory. I am very concerned about this project being so close to my home, the traffic congestion as I move to and from Moss Vale. Berrima is a beautiful, historically significant, Georgian village which is a major draw card of tourists and visitors to the our pristine Southern Highlands. The tourist and wedding industry maybe negatively impacted by the presence of such an industry.

There are many risks having such a factory so close to residential areas. It is very close to housing, schools and Moss Vale town centre which is unacceptable for such a major factory, operating 24/7 and manufacturing plastic fibres and resins. There is a risk of air and water pollution not to mention noise pollution. The huge traffic movements of heavy vehicles and cars that will be added to already congested roads around Moss Vale. New Berrima, where many young families live, will have an extra 100 trucks a day through the Main Street, Taylor Avenue. This is dangerous as well as stressful to residents due to noise and diesel fumes. Nobody should have to live in these conditions.

Three of the largest schools in the Southern Highlands are within this area and thousands of children may be at risk from plastic dust, chemicals and fumes. The largest town of the Southern Highlands, Bowral/Burradoo is situated down wind from site which may have detrimental health impacts on many thousands of residents.

The Wingecarribee River is part of the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment and there is a risk of contamination from this project. We are very fortunate to have a number of platypuses down stream from proposed Plasrefine site. They, and other endangered species, should not be put at risk from potential toxicity or accidents coming from this proposed site.

This project raises many concerns especially as Plasrefine has no experience in this industry. There is also a lack of detail concerning the project.

Many things can go wrong with such a project and we can not allow such a risk to be taken in our community. This is not the right location for a project of this nature to be built.

Penny Piccione

Franz Kufner
Director
STALBI Pty Ltd
6 Timaru Place
Kirrawee NSW 2032


MOSS VALE PLASTICS RECYCLING FACILITY – Application number SSD-9409987

Dear Madam / Sir

As the director of STALBI Pty Ltd the owner of 57 Bulwer Road Mossvale NSW 2577 , I like to express our strong objection to the Plasrefine plastics recycling facility proposed for Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands, NSW.


Here are the key reasons for our objection to such a facility and its operator.

• As an investor Stalbi PTY LTD is concerned that the facility will negatively impact the prices of property that are in close vicinity to it. Initial valuations of some properties indicates that one can expect losses in value in the hundreds of thousands of dollars . It will certainly cause us and other investors to consider to sell up , which will in turn worsen the current rental crises. Homeowners that bought land , built houses and in good faith took on large mortgages will experience additional financial stress , which can be devastating for some families that already battle financially and then have to deal with additional hardship.

• Thes land proposed for this facility is way too close to residential and farming properties and will directly significantly impact the residents in close vicinity through noise , air pollution not only from the facility but the significant increase of heavy vehicle traffic , and also affect the Moss vale, and entire Southern Highlands, community in general .

• The heavy vehicle traffic to and from the facility on a frequent basis , seven days per week , will bring increase congestion and over stretches Moss Vale’s infrastructure and roads capacity. Moss Vale today can barely manage the traffic that currently exists. And there is no guarantee that the haulage vehicles will stay on the new ‘recommended’ travel routes which will affect New Berrima directly also. Proposition to move a level crossing is also concerning as there has been a lack of community consultation regarding this and it can directly impact all the local businesses already using the current roads and level crossings.

• Plastic recycling facilities are prone to catching fire as we have experienced across Australia and also NSW. That we do not have local HAZMAT fire service personnel close by to deal with such a potential fire is of great concern .

• We also question the capability of key personnel entrusted with the operation of this type of plastic recycling facility. Its known that the Principle Technical Director of Plasrefine Pty Ltd – Mr Lyu – has a long history of environmental sanctions applied by Chinese authorities in mainland China as this article confirms . (https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/a-big-blue-in-a-small-southern-highlands-town-over-a-giant-plastics-plant-20220111-p59nhp.html)

• We are concerned also because the site proposed is on ecologically sensitive land with large riparian land and a watercourse that flows directly to the Wingecarribee river and this is a Sydney water catchment. We would expect that this situation has been addressed as part of the environmental impact statement .

Like many other voices from the local community , including Wendy Tuckerman, and also the Wingecarribee Shire Council , who are all NOT supportive of this facility , we respectfully request that you reject the amended application.

Regards
Franz Kufner

I object to the proposed Plasrefine Plastic Recycling Facility in Moss Vale.

At a personal level, I don't wosh to have a plant such as this so close to my families home. Any increase in traffic associated with a development of this size for an area full of family homes and narrow streets will likely have a negative impact on the enjoyment and lifestyle of my family, and other in the community. The potential for bad odours and hazardous or toxic materials to impact on our lives is also a a high possibility given the nature of the proposal.

A negative affect on the property values in the area is also a concern for my family, as the area is known for the clean and quiet country lifestyle, which a facility such as the plasrefine plant would certainly impact given the proposed location being at the end of a residential street.

The proposed development should be refused based on the following points:

The facility is a potentially hazardous industry and potentially offensive industry, and as I understand, it should not be permissible in the General Industrial Zone under LEP of the Wingecarribbe Council.

I have been made aware that the development is potentially hazardous and offensive Development under SEPP33, and has not been assessed under SEPP33.

The EIS and Appendices, versions 1, 2, and now version 3 are inadequate and full of inconsistencies. Many statements in the EIS’s are misleading.
Truthful facts and data about the environmental, social and economic impact of the proposed development are not addressed while the information provided appear incomplete or misleading.

The EIS and Appendices does not provide any assessment of microplastic generated by the proposal and its impact on human health, air, drinking water, groundwater, soil and wildlife.

There is extensive scientific research available that micro plastic and toxic fumes from plastic recycling plants cause hormonal changes, infertility, heart problem and, cancer among other issues. The proposal is surrounded by rural, residential and general industrial areas.

The proposed facility has a very high demand for town water and rain water, which cannot be guaranteed in the Southern Highlands as it does experience drought periods regularly.

There is a high risk of fires in any plastic processing plants and the proposed development is surrounded by residential and general industrial.

There does not appear to be any demonstrated understanding of the risks of fire hazards in such facilities as there has not been any proposed measures in case of such an event.

The proposed development is situated in the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment area and micro plastics etc may end up in drinking water.

The proposal may negatively impact on the health and livelihood the of residents of surrounding towns, tourism, wine and honey industry, weddings and entertainment industry.

The site appears to be too small for the proposed development and does not allow enough room for parking, waiting area for trucks, for fire brigade trucks, not enough water tank for emergency and no space for any landscaping.

The development will jeopardise the operation of trains of the Cement factory and will adversely affects the traffic on M4 and local traffic and will cause a constant chaos at the railways crossing at the Cement factory.

The traffic study undertaken during school holidays ( 3 December 2020) is misleading.

The proposed development may generate some new jobs (some only temporary during the construction phase) but it may jeopardise 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.

The proposed development will increase NSW annual greenhouse gas emissions by 0.07% (if this number is accurate) which is significant."

I object to this facility being built in Moss Vale, and I object to such as facility being approved in any area that would impact on families and existing businesses.

Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility Amended Application (SSD-9409987)
I have not made a political donation and I do give my permission for my private details to be published

Emma Barnet
Industry Assessments
Dept Planning, Industry & Environment
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124
Re: Proposed Plasrefine Plastics Recycling Facility &4-&6 Beaconsfield Road Moss Vale NSW 2577
I am making a submission in opposition to the above mentioned State Significant Development by Plasrefine Recycling Pty Ltd
I reside in Oldbury Street Berrima and I am extremely concerned about the proposed toxic Plastic Waste Facility by Plasrefine at 74-76 Beaconsfield Rd Moss Vale
The lack of detail regarding the facility is of concern, as is the claim of greater detail post approval. It begs the question of just what is being deliberately with held
Details required NOW include the impact of :
Dust
Noise
Vibration
Light Pollution
Traffic & Road Safety
Odours
Proximity to residential areas
Wildlife
Toxic residues in - livestock - both farm & local saleyards; water catchment ; sewage treatment plant ; treated water outputs
The prevailing West & South West winds have potential to impact Moss Vale, Burradoo, Bowral and the Southern Highlands region with plastic dust, chemicals and fumes , Also Berrima and New Berrima will be impacted.
Traffic Impact in New Berrima, Berrima and Moss Vale will be detrimental due to the cumulative impact of heavy vehicles
Also the impact on road infrastructure, level crossing danger, truck volume and sludge cartage, and other sites in Douglas Rd.
Prior unsuccessful attempts at providing suitable vehicle access plans have been rejected and altered
Ecologically sensitive land and a water course flowing directly into the Wingecarribee River, a source of Sydney Water Catchment - there is a lack of detail of any process to protect critical water supplies
Also several critically endangered Eucalyptus Macarthurii will be removed
The scale of the development is too large for the site, 22 metre high stack and ventilation outlets are too close to other operations and residences. There is also insufficient landscaping on site
Fire Danger exists due to limited fire and Hazmat resources in the Wingecarribee shire, the local services are not equipped to cope with fire & Hazmat situations
Corporate history of the entity acknowledges a lack of Plastic Recycling experience , and a history of Environmental Sanctions in China. The nominee is not a fit and proper person to hold an EnvironmentalProtection Licence
The impact of emissions of microplastics on health, accumulation in the environment and the high potential for spills due to human error. The lack of detail regarding the deodoriser is a matter of concern
The Southern Highlands has a low level of unemployment, so there is a low likelihood of an experienced and qualified workforce being available to safely operate the facility. This leads to the likelihood of human error and accidents
The Southern Highlands has a large tourism industry infrastructure and with its associated demand for tourism services. As such this facility is entirely unsuitable for this area and should not be approved
I strongly oppose the potential for approval of this facility on the proposed site

Gordon Boyd

see attached

I strongly oppose this project. The area is inappropriate for this type of industry, due to traffic hazards by large trucks in a residential area. The Operators have not demonstrated any regard for local residents and this will only exacerbate if this project is approved. The Council have a duty of care to Residents, and I believe this project subjects Moss Vale to potentially serious health, safety and legal issues.

Less than 3 klms from Moss Vale town centre, schools and homes.
Operating 24/7 with > 100 truck movements and > 280 vehicles in and out.
Will use already congested roads during construction and operation.

To Whom it May Concern,
As a Moss Vale resident and business owner, I am strongly opposed to the proposed Plastics Recycling Facility in Moss Vale. The reasons are as follows...

Location and Impact on the Moss Vale Community
The proposed development it is located right on the edge of the Moss Vale township, and is close to residential areas. It's too close. The 'industrial feel' that this site will give to the town and community cannot be understated, with the high movment of heavy vehicles in and out of town being a major issue. Safety on the roads for those walking their dogs, riding their bikes or waling with young children will be compromised.

Water
There are concerns that the local water supply network will be negatively impacted by the introduction of such a water hungry facility. Greater consideration should be given to water recycling options for the facility to reduce pressure on the broader water supply.

Traffic
The proposed development will have significant impacts on local traffic volume that is already a huge problem for residents. The number of trucks that will move through the town will cause major upheaval, especially at peak times.

I strongly oppose the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility due to concerns about its impact on the community and the environment. The negative effects of this development on key areas of local living such as traffic, tourism, noise, odour, water, and social impacts, far outweigh any potential benefits. This project should be refused in favour of a more suitable location.

Approving this project would set a precedent that no matter the lack of qualifications or dubious intentions of a foreign developer, the government supports them, thus being implicated in harming the health & economy local communities, and disregarding the concerns voiced at large by said community.

I wish to express my strong opposition to the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility SSD—9409987.

I have many concerns with regard to the impact to the community and the environment. I have been shocked at the lack of consultation with the community by the consulting company GHD, and what appears to be a lack of genuine desire to understand the social impact of this development on the community.

The scale and purpose of the proposal is highly unsuitable for the site, situated adjacent to sensitive land uses such as the Garvan Institute, residential homes, childcare centre, a school, and on cattle farming land.

The lack of experience in such operations by the proponent does not give confidence to me, nor to the community that the proponents are capable of the successful construction and operation of such a contentious and potentially harmful facility. Evidence suggests that further investigation into plastic incineration facilities is required to determine the impacts to health and the environment.

I also note that the proposal requires an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) to be obtained, and although this determination is separate to the DA process, much consideration should be given to whether the applicant is considered to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

Of particular concern to me is the road and transport access. If approved, this project will have up to 200 truck movements per day in a residential area along narrow, unsurfaced (in places) country roads that service multiple residential properties. The proposal advises that a new access road be provided that extends from the plastics recycling and reprocessing facility site to Lackey Road via the currently unformed Braddon Road (paper road), traversing Lot 1 DP 26490 (77 Beaconsfield Road) and Lot 10 1084421, owned and occupied by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

The proposed facility , to be constructed directly next to Garvan Institute of Medical Research, a world class rodent breeding facility that supplies mice to many of our vital medical research facilities in Australia. These animals are extremely sensitive to noise, vibration and odours – all of which will become an issue as soon as construction starts, not only once the facility is up and running.

Garvan Institute employs many locals and provides a vital service to research institutes across Australia and around the world. Any adverse exposure to any of the factors on this facility could have long lasting impacts on the vital research these institutes are carrying out. It is concerning that Plasrefine and their consultant GHD have left out any mention of Garvan Institute from their consultation strategy and subsequent materials.

With no detailed site surveys included in the EIS, it is difficult to understand how the proposal will navigate the difficulties of this site without causing significant and ongoing impacts on surrounding land uses, and the water table.

In conclusion, the negative impacts of the development, including traffic, visual, noise, odour, water and the social impacts on community far outweigh any other public benefit that such a development can offer and which can be better utilised on a site more suitable. I support the community in opposing this development and ask the proposal be refused for the reasons sited.

I would like to register my strong opposition and concerns regarding the Plasrefine plastic waste facility, proposed for Moss Vale, for some of the following reasons (but not limited to):

The local Wingecarribee area does not have any local fire brigades with specialist HAZMAT equipment to cope with any potential fires from this facility and the fall out of associated carcinogens. Fires in plastic facilities are so dangerous to the environment and air quality will be severely affected.

The impact to the greater Southern Highlands area will be substantial particularly with the prevailing West and Sth West winds which will cover the towns in plastic dust, chemicals and fumes.

The traffic impact will be substantial in an area that is already not able to cope with the amount of traffic in the area. The truck numbers per day are not transparent, there is no inclusion of the removal of tonnes of toxic sludge on the local roads and to where it will be taken.

The potential for irreversible damage to the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment is enormous - where is the duty of care to protect the catchment for all the residents who rely on the water? Where is the detail on the process water outputs?

The removal of critically endangered trees is not accepted - all trees are important and critically endangered trees are even more important!

And the Principal Technical Director of Plasrefine Pty Ltd Mr Lyu - has absolutely no experience in plastics and has a share director-ship with a known polluter! This is an absolute recipe for disaster.