The Department of Planning and Environment has approved a concept plan and site preparation works from Shoalhaven City Council for a waste and recycling facility next to an existing landfill in Mundamia.

The department approved the $500,000 proposal with strict conditions in direct response to submissions received during public consultation.

Issues raised during submissions related to biodiversity, traffic impacts, air quality, stormwater management, noise, and asset protection in the event of a bushfire.

In response to these issues, the department has included a number of conditions including measures to manage and monitor issues like air quality and odour, noise, traffic, water and waste, as well as conditions for on-going environmental management and incident reporting.

The planned waste and recycling facility would inject $67 million into the economy and would create up to 70 construction jobs and 30 full-time jobs once operational.

The facility will be able to process up to 130,000 tonnes of waste per year and will be developed over two stages.

Stage one includes clearing and preparation of the site.

Stage two includes construction of the facility and will be considered under a separate development application.

A spokesperson from the department said consultation with the community is enshrined into the process for assessing applications.

The department exhibited the proposal for community feedback in February this year and received six submissions, all of which were from government agencies, including the Office of Environment Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority.

“The department has thoroughly assessed the application under clear and consistent rules, which are the same for every applicant,” the spokesperson said.

For more information visit http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/