Ipswich City Council has welcomed the recent announcement from the Deputy Premier to refuse the landfill and rehabilitation components of the Wanless Recycling Park.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chairperson Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the decision was good news for the community.
“Council has fought long and hard on behalf of the Ipswich community on this matter,” Mayor Harding said.
“And Ipswich residents have let their thoughts be known as well.
“The Deputy Premier’s decision noted that 62 submissions were received during the public notification period for the development, with 61 opposed to the proposed landfill use.
“There has been considerable opposition to the Wanless proposal and frustration at the State Government’s decision to call this project in.
“Council thoroughly assessed the Wanless proposal when it made its original decision in September 2021 to approve the resource recovery components of the original application, but to oppose the creation of yet another new landfill site for Ipswich.
“We stood by that decision, and the State Government’s decision to refuse the landfill and void rehabilitation components of the development application vindicates that approach.”
Wanless appealed council’s partial refusal to the Planning and Environment Court and requested the relevant minister to call-in the Wanless development application. The decision announced yesterday is not able to be appealed.
In January 2022 Dr Miles, also the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, used ministerial powers under the Planning Act 2016 to call in, reassess and redecide the development application.
“The Deputy Premier has undertaken a thorough assessment process and ultimately made the right decision for our community,” Mayor Harding said.
“I thank the Deputy Premier for hearing our concerns and for the many residents who joined council in putting their views forward. This news will come as a relief to many in our community.”
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