The proposal to build a waste to energy plant in Te Awamutu is the antithesis of all the district stands for, says Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan.
Susan O’Regan
O’Regan appeared before an independent Board of Inquiry in Hamilton last week to ask it to decline Global Contracting Solutions’ application to build the plant in Racecourse Road.
A decision is expected to be announced at the end of next month.
The proposed site is close to educational facilities, a Fonterra dairy factory, and homes.
“Waipā is the ‘Home of Champions’,” O’Regan said in her submission to the hearing. “It is a district that takes pride in its thriving agricultural and horticultural industries. It also enjoys beautiful landscapes, natural features, and world class sports and recreational facilities. The proposal is the antithesis of this,” she said.
O’Regan said it was hard to overestimate the strength of feeling that exists in the community against the proposed plant.
“The vast majority of the 1353 individual submitters oppose the proposed waste to energy plant.”
“Our residents are sending a clear message: this proposal does not align with our district’s future, nor does it serve the interests of the people who live, work, invest and raise families here.
She said social and health consultant Robert Quigley’s evidence clearly sets out the significant adverse effects the waste to energy plant was likely to have on community aspirations, health and wellbeing and housing.
Quigley said the plant could have more than minor adverse effects, listing health and wellbeing, housing and business impacts.
Protestors at Don’t Burn Waipa
