Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility

This is not an appropriate project for the area.

I object to the Plasrefine Plastics Refinery in Moss Vale:
I object to the toxins which will be released into the air and water, the amount of town water used is not feasible, the fumes from the plant will impact our clear, clean air and affect Southern Highland tourism, property values & is clearly not in the right location so close to residential homes & Moss Vale town Centre. After 70+ plastics refineries in the World burst into flames in the last few years it is clear there are huge issues with these plants. Also where are the toxicity reports from Plasrefine which have been requested for the past years?

MOSS VALE PLASTICS RECYCLING FACILITY (SSD-9409987)

I OBJECT to the Plasrefine plastics recycling facility proposed for Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands, NSW.

Traffic concerns will be highlighted in New Berrima and Moss Vale with the extra amount of vehicles on the roads, when the roads are already at capacity and struggling. The Southern Highlands does not have the infrastructure to cope with more traffic, let alone the amount of vehicles expected to go to and from this Plastics facility.
Level crossings were an issue in the past, but now seem to be the new route for trucks and heavy vehicles.

There is a big risk of pollution from such a site, and with it sitting so close to residential and farming land. Fires are concerns seeming as how many of these Plastics facilities catch on fire across NSW, and Australia. The toxic fumes blowing directly onto schools, homes, farm animals, wildlife, Day care centres and nursing homes.
Breathing in this smoke is disastrous to health. And also the microplastics that will go into the air daily from such a facility. They will cause serious health issues for the entire community.

Also have concerns with the site being on large Riparian land and watercourse which goes directly into the Wingicarribee River. This is Sydney water catchment and can cause damage that cannot be reversed. The site is on ecologically sensitive land and really just is NOT the right site for such a facility.

This Plasrefine Plastics Recycling Facility has a strong lack of support from the local community, from the Wingecarribee Shire Council and also Wendy Tuckerman our member for Parliament who has spoken openly in Parliament about her objections.
WE DO NOT WANT THIS FACILITY HERE in our great Southern Highlands. It poses too many concerns for our community, our family, our children and our future - we will never support it.

Kind regards,
Scott Muhlbock

MOSS VALE PLASTICS RECYCLING FACILITY – Application number SSD-9409987

I am writing to express my strong OBJECTION to the Plasrefine plastics recycling facility proposed for Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands, NSW.

There are numerous reasons why I object to such a facility.
Location, traffic, Fires, Safety, pollution, lack of trust in the company, lack of information.

This land is just not suitable for a facility like this. It is too close to residential properties, Vineyards and farming properties – it will directly impact the Moss vale, and entire Southern Highlands, community.

Traffic concerns will always pose a large threat. Even with the now changed routes provided, they now need to go over numerous level crossings, some of which have large haul trains stopped over these crossings for some time. This backs up traffic and causes issues. The same goes for general traffic as this facility will bring more congestion from vehicles coming to and from the facility on a very frequent basis.
Moss Vale itself is already at capacity for its infrastructure and the roads can barely hold the traffic that currently exists. And there is no guarantee that the vehicles will stay on the ‘recommended’ travel routes. New Berrima will be directly affected also.
It’s going to be a disaster.
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.

Fire to this facility is also a concern, with a regularly large amount of Plastic recycling facilities catching fire across Australia, let alone NSW. This poses a safety risk for anyone close by, such as schools, communities, farms and farm animals, nursing homes, daycare centres. Breathing in the smoke and pollution from such a fire can cause serious health risks. Not to mention any microplastics that are in the air. We also do not have local HAZMAT fire service personnel close by to deal with such a fire if it were to occur.
Any fumes, plastic dust and chemicals that are released are going to impact many different areas across the Southern highlands as the winds blows.

I’m also concerned for house and land prices and they are guaranteed to decrease significantly for those who live within a close vicinity to the facility. This will cause so much stress and anxiety to families and a mental health concern that is very real. Some houses have been evaluated and it has been told that due to the proposition of Plasrefine at the site they will lose hundreds of thousands to millions on their property and land value.
It’s devastating to families who have to deal with this after some already significantly hard financial times over the recent years.
I am also very unhappy that Plasrefine are claiming that greater detail will be given once approved. This is just not good enough. We, as a community, need to have the details now and transparently. There are so many aspects such as noise, dust, smell, traffic impact, vibration, light pollution, impact to wildlife, 24hr year round operation, toxic residues in livestock and their agricultural land and also toxic wastewater via the Moss Vale sewerage treatment plant which will impact our local river system and catchment area (which is currently at full capacity), not to mention the lack of detail on the process of water outputs and total requirement on the Moss Vale Sewerage system.

The Site proposed is on ecologically sensitive land with large riparian land and watercourse that flows directly to the Wingecarribee river and this is a Sydney water catchment. I feel there is a duty of care here to protect the catchment for Sydney drinking water for all who are reliant on it. This could cause irreversible damage.
The list of concerns just doesn’t end.

The operators of this Plasrefine facility also have admit they have no experience in plastics recycling. The Principle Technical Director of Plasrefine Pty Ltd – Mr Lyu – has a long history in China of environmental sanctions…. IN CHINA of all places where pollution is already high!! https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/a-big-blue-in-a-small-southern-highlands-town-over-a-giant-plastics-plant-20220111-p59nhp.html
Nanxi Zheng, Mr Lyu’s niece, shares directorship of the company that holds the patent for the Plasrefine logo and also the deodoriser proposed to wash the plastic in. I do not understand how she could possibly be fit to hold an Environmental Protection License given her family relationship to Mr Lyu.

Wendy Tuckerman, and also the Wingecarribee Shire Council is NOT supportive of this facility, alongside so many in the local community.
I will be directly affected by this horrendous facility and I hope that it can be seen how badly this will impact our beautiful Southern Highlands and the people who call it home.

Kind regards,
Stephanie Muhlbock

This is not the right location for a development of this type. There are very few if any buildings in Moss Vale of the height of this proposed facility. The site is located in a residential area and close to schools , this is not an Industrial area.

Significant concern regarding the risks to the local community including pollution, location close to schools and homes, and increased traffic to a small community

As a local resident, my family and I, strongly object to the location of this Plastic Recycling Plant based on its close proximity to homes, schools, a child care centre and the township of Moss Vale.
The impact of fumes and toxic waste residue have the potential to be catastrophic for the community. Not to mention the traffic load on the already congested local roads.
I agree that we need Plastic recycling facilities but this proposed location is not at all appropriate.

I live in Moss Vale moving here 2.5 years ago after many health issues and wanted to experience a healthier life.
I am not happy with the limited details of this project and it would make it easier for the developers to change aspects later,I cant understand why our taxpayers money is even discussed to help overseas companies.
Many overseas companies that cant get rid of recycling just dump it in surrouding bushland or it makes its way into soil composte.
The air and soil quality from micro plastics ,buring off and diesel fuel from trucks just cant be reduced.
Light pollution from the plant operating 24hours a day,water pollution from the consumption by the plant into the local soil and waterways and the sludge all will pollute the local area.
This area is a beautiful green area and is not the right site for this plant.
This area is being developed with lots more houses bringing young families to have a healthy lifestyle and having the plant will jeapodise this.
Regards
Fiona Dane

1) The change to the preferred access roads does not mean the trucks will use these preferred roads, the truck drivers are not restricted to these roads and will use the fastest and cheapest route option, even if these are residential and busy retail centres.
I'm very concerned and upset about the noise, air and light pollution that will impact my health and my family's health.
2) The change to the storm water management does not decrease the amount of wastewater, 10 kilolitres per day, this will still
impact our environment in a very negative way.
3) The change to the maximum building height from 18 to 15.5 metres does not change the fact that instead of beautiful rural land
we will have an ugly collection buildings, a blight on our landscape.
This is not the right site, using diesel trucks to deliver will destroy any good the plastic recycling will do for the environment.
This is not the right site, damaging our beautiful rural land is not worth the good the plastic recycling will do for the environment.
Regards Paul Dane

This is the wrong site with too close a proximity to residential zoning

I'm primarily opposed to this project because it will leak micro plastics and long lasting chemicals into the surrounding environment, especially contaminating waterways.
in addition the waste will be transported by trucks which will overload already crowded local roads and also contribute to carbon pollution,.

Please refer to the attached objection letter.

See attached

Letter of objection attached

As a Mother and property owner in the Southern Highlands I am concerned about the impact of this proposed plastic recycling facility. There will be a severely detrimental impact on the health of all residents, flora, fauna, groundwater and underground water, air quality, and more.

So far the 1, the 2, and now the 3 versions of the Environment Impact Statements are still very unprofessional, very vague, untechnical, lacking in crucial technical details and specifications, and full of empty statements like" "we will do our best". I am really surprised that the Department of Planning is still treating seriously this proposal and the Chinese proponent with no experience in plastic recycling. This kind of operation will be in no way acceptable to the people of the southern highlands.

I wish to express my strong opposition to the Moss Vale Plastics Recycling Facility (SSD—9409987). The proposed site is totally unsuitable. It is situated close to residential homes, a childcare centre, a school and farming land. The proponent stated that the site was selected mainly due to the fact the land was available and affordable, demonstrating little to no regard to the social and health impacts of their project on Moss Vale residents and the environment in which we live and raise our children.
Incinerating plastics creates and/or releases harmful chemicals and pollutants such as microscopic particulate matter, which can cause lung and heart diseases and other serious health problems. The lungs of young children are particularly susceptible to these airborne pollutants. There are many potential adverse outcomes from this proposal that have not been investigated. What chemical fumes/odours will this proposed plant create that residents will be expected to live with? It seems as though the objective is to build it, irrespective of the opposition and genuine arguments against the proposal put forward by residents of Moss Vale, and surrounding areas.
The high number of heavy vehicles using the roads in and around Moss Vale daily, to service the proposed plant, will create much additional noise, generate more air pollutants, damage roads, incur higher road maintenance costs and create safety risks to other motorists and pedestrians. This is a hazardous project and apart from the issues I have briefly raised here it has the potential to adversely impact on home values in Moss Vale.

My grandmother currently resides in Beaconsfield road, Moss Vale and over the last 29 years I have visited and overnighted in Moss Vale on a very regular basis. As such I feel motivated to express my objections to the Plasrefine proposal.
In the age of awareness around micro plastics it seems that at a minimum a business of this nature should be located remotely from residential areas to mitigate some of the hazards associated with this by-product. Wind and water ways will serve to carry this hazard easily to nearby communities. Through the food chain this threat has the potential to spread much further afield than just the local community. Every effort and risk mitigation needs to be taken to ensure micro plastics are removed as a threat to our environment and our health, this site is not appropriate.
On reading the proposal I acknowledge that some attempt has been made by Plasrefine to address a few of the many concerns raised regarding the suitability of this business to exist on the current site. Whilst the revised access to the site has taken pressure from one sensitive area it has created pressure in another. The declared reduction in water use and height of buildings are a small concession, however, there are many concerns that have either been ignored or insufficient evidence provided to produce a satisfactory solution.
The obvious increase of heavy traffic (trucks) to and from the site will have its own impact on the local area. Noise, road damage, pollution, traffic jams all must increase as a function of running this business.
Water usage. Evidence is needed to support the reduction of water usage. If recycling and capture form the basis of this reduction then the changing weather patterns will likely prevent these targets being achieved, if anything, the outcome is more likely that it will be an increase on town supplied water not a decrease.
A large factory so close to the local community generating noise, excessive light, significant increase in traffic, destroying the beauty of the area should never be allowed in this area. THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
As I tax payer I am very concerned that my money may be used to support this business to enable the Federal Government to meet its flawed Green objectives. I do not approve of my taxes being used to support this business.
Please reject this proposal and seek to place it in a location where there is no adverse impact to local communities, water ways, animal life and risk of micro plastic can be managed.

My grandmother currently resides in Beaconsfield road, Moss Vale and over the last 31 years I have visited and overnighted in Moss Vale on a very regular basis. As such I feel motivated to express my objections to the Plasrefine proposal.
In the age of awareness around micro plastics it seems that at a minimum a business of this nature should be located remotely from residential areas to mitigate some of the hazards associated with this by-product. Wind and water ways will serve to carry this hazard easily to nearby communities. Through the food chain this threat has the potential to spread much further afield than just the local community. Every effort and risk mitigation needs to be taken to ensure micro plastics are removed as a threat to our environment and our health, this site is not appropriate.
On reading the proposal I acknowledge that some attempt has been made by Plasrefine to address a few of the many concerns raised regarding the suitability of this business to exist on the current site. Whilst the revised access to the site has taken pressure from one sensitive area it has created pressure in another. The declared reduction in water use and height of buildings are a small concession, however, there are many concerns that have either been ignored or insufficient evidence provided to produce a satisfactory solution.
The obvious increase of heavy traffic (trucks) to and from the site will have its own impact on the local area. Noise, road damage, pollution, traffic jams all must increase as a function of running this business.
Water usage. Evidence is needed to support the reduction of water usage. If recycling and capture form the basis of this reduction then the changing weather patterns will likely prevent these targets being achieved, if anything, the outcome is more likely that it will be an increase on town supplied water not a decrease.
A large factory so close to the local community generating noise, excessive light, significant increase in traffic, destroying the beauty of the area should never be allowed in this area. THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
As I tax payer I am very concerned that my money may be used to support this business to enable the Federal Government to meet its flawed Green objectives. I do not approve of my taxes being used to support this business.
Please reject this proposal and seek to place it in a location where there is no adverse impact to local communities, water ways, animal life and risk of micro plastic can be managed.

Having been brought up in the Southern Highlands and completed 12 years of schooling at Mittagong and Bowral and a very regular visitor to Beaconsfield Rd, Moss Vale to visit my mother-in-law I feel I have the ability to analysis the impacts a business such as Plasrefine will have on the local area and likely beyond into the wider community.
On reading the proposal I acknowledge that some attempt has been made by Plasrefine to address a few of the many concerns raised regarding the suitability of this business to exist on the current site. Whilst the revised access to the site may be considered by some as an improvement and the declared reduction in water use and height of buildings are welcome there are many concerns that have either been ignored or insufficient evidence provided to produce a satisfactory solution.
Communities, government and businesses these days all have an appreciation of the risks that micro plastics can present. It would seem not only responsible, but necessary to locate businesses that carry this risk away from local residential areas. At a minimum a business of this nature should be located far enough from residential areas to mitigate some of the hazards associated with this by-product. Wind and water ways will serve to carry this hazard easily to nearby communities. The local food chain will carry this threat much further afield than just this site. This is NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
Water usage. Evidence is needed to support the reduction of water usage. If recycling and capture form the basis of this reduction then the expected El Niño weather pattern will likely prevent these targets being achieved, if anything, the outcome is more likely it will be an increase on town supplied water not a decrease. This is NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
The obvious increase of heavy traffic (trucks) to and from the site will have its own impact on the local area. Noise, road damage, pollution and traffic jams all will increase as a function of running this business. This is NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
The impact on the surrounding landscape, rural outlooks and open expanses will be detrimental to this area. A large factory so close to the local community generating noise, excessive light, significant increase in traffic and thus destroying the natural beauty, should never be allowed in this area. This is NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
If the Federal Government is considering supporting this business with tax payers money so as to meet their green objectives then they too will be complicit in facilitating a business not suited to this area. This is not how I want my tax dollars spent This is NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
Please reject this proposal and seek to place this business in a location where there is no adverse impact to local communities, water ways, animal life and the significant risk of micro plastics can be managed. Thankyou

Please see attached