THE Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has called for public comments following a recent application from Alkina Holdings Pty Ltd for a works approval for the York landfill proposal on Great Southern Highway.

The application is in relation to the construction and operation of a Category1 64 premises for the purpose of a Class II or III putrescible landfill site.

The Shire of York said it was aware the proponent has submitted a works approval application to DWER.

“The submission of this application does not authorise works to commence on the site,” a spokesperson said.

“The proposal remains subject to the relevant planning approval processes, including matters currently involving the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) and the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT),” they said.

“These are separate approval processes, and the submission of a works approval application does not remove the need for the necessary planning approvals.”

Avon Valley Residents Association spokesperson Keith Schekkerman said while DWER could issue a ‘draft approval’, no works approval can be issued as no valid development approval is in place.

“Any approval issued years ago have all lapsed and as such are not valid,” Mr Schekkerman said.

He said according to legal advice received from the Shire of York prior to commencing any works on the site the proponent will have to obtain both development approval under the shire’s local planning scheme and a works approval under the EP Act.

The advice said there was nothing preventing the proponent from progressing the works approval application concurrently with the development application.

It said typically, DWER will not grant a works approval until the development approval is in place, however it is possible that they will prepare a ‘draft’ works approval pending approval of the development.    

Central Wheatbelt MLA Lachlan Hunter said the Cook Labor government had betrayed the people of York and the wider Avon Valley.

“At the last election, Labor told the community this project would not be approved. Now, they have done exactly the opposite. A broken election promise and a complete betrayal of regional Western Australia,” Mr Hunter said.

“This decision raises serious concerns about the potential impacts on our precious water resources, including Perth’s drinking water catchment, increased heavy vehicle traffic, wildlife, the environment and the rural amenity of the entire Avon Valley.

“And with capacity still available at Red Hill, the question must be asked: Why is Labor determined to dump Perth’s rubbish on the people of York?”

Mr Hunter said the people of the Avon Valley should not have to pay the price for Perth’s convenience.

“York is not Perth’s rubbish bin, and regional Western Australians are not second-class citizens,” he said.

“Labor made a promise before the election and broke it afterwards. It is little wonder regional communities are losing trust in this government.

“As the local Member of Parliament, I will continue fighting this disastrous decision and standing up for the people of York and the entire Avon Valley.”

Feedback and comments on the proposal must be forwarded to DWER by Monday, November 2 by email to info@dwer.wa.gov.au quoting APP-0036334.