One Nation recognises that Victoria faces genuine challenges with landfill capacity and energy supply. Waste-to-energy incineration can play a role in addressing both. However, the current approach under the Labor government has been reckless, unpopular, and disrespectful of local communities.
What we will do
1. Immediate moratorium. A One Nation government will impose an immediate moratorium on all controversial waste-to-energy incinerator projects in Victoria, halting further development until a full review is completed.
2. Full review of existing proposals. All current proposals will be reviewed against strengthened environmental, health, and community impact criteria. The projects at Lara and Sunbury will not be allowed to proceed under a One Nation government, and we will work with the operators to relocate them to a more suitable site.
3. Permanent restriction to industrial zones. Following the review, waste-to-energy facilities will be permanently restricted to existing industrial areas with adequate transport links, or sites adjacent to power stations where transmission infrastructure is already available.
4. Buffer from sensitive land uses. No waste-to-energy facility will be permitted within a defined buffer distance of homes, schools, hospitals, prime agricultural land, or other sensitive land uses.
5. Community consultation. Affected communities will be consulted before any proposal advances, with their objections given genuine weight in the decision-making process.
