Transport Canberra and City Services has invited public input into a new policy for converting local waste matter into energy.
Minister for City Services, Chris Steel said the term ‘waste-to-energy’ described a process whereby energy and resources are retrieved from waste through processing, resulting in heat, electricity or fuel.
“The development of a waste-to-energy policy for the ACT was one of 18 recommendations of the Waste Feasibility Study roadmap released in May,” Mr Steel said.
“We want our community and industry to be partners in co-designing a long-term, informed and evidence-based policy vision for waste-to-energy in the ACT that explores its benefits and challenges.”
He said it was important that the community consider each of the range of waste-to-energy technologies available and their future in the ACT.
“This doesn’t just include waste incineration plants, but also other technology like anaerobic digestion, which is an advanced form of composting,” Mr Steel said.
“The ACT Government doesn’t currently have a policy on waste-to-energy and we want to hear from the community before forming a position.”
He said interest from both the community and industry meant there was a need for a clear policy on waste-to-energy similar to other jurisdictions in Australia including Victoria, NSW and Western Australia.
“A policy will provide certainty for industry and residents about what waste-to-energy infrastructure and technology will be a good fit for the ACT and the region and what won’t be supported,” he said.
A 20-page information paper can be accessed on the YourSay website at this PS News link.
