LOCAL shires, residents, business and Indigenous groups have united in their continued opposition to the Allawuna landfill site near York.

After more than a decade fighting the proposal to store Perth’s waste, this week the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended approval of the new landfill site which could see up to 250,000 tonnes of waste dumped annually.

A state government spokesperson said while the minister had determined the appeals his decision was not an approval.

Following determination of the appeal, the Minister must then decide whether to grant final environmental approval under Section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act which allows the minister to consider broader issues that fall outside the scope of the EPA.

“The minister will now consider the EPA’s findings as well as other issues before deciding whether to approve,” the spokesperson said.

“In determining the appeal, the minister was required to consider matters that fit within the scope of the EPA’s remit.

“Issues around planning and future needs in relation to waste infrastructure sits outside of the EPA.

“To be clear, determination of the appeal does not equate to ministerial approval for this project.

“The appeals raised several matters that were beyond the EPA’s scope, and the minister will consider them alongside the report when making his final decision on implementation.”

Shire of York chief executive officer Chris Linnell said council was disappointed with this week’s decision.

“While we acknowledge the outcome, it is important to note that this is not the final stage of the process. As highlighted by the appeals committee, there are significant considerations that fall beyond the scope of this review,” Mr Linnell said.

“The shire remains committed to opposing this proposal and will continue to work with all stakeholders to advocate for a final outcome that serves the best interests of the York community.

“The decision-making process is ongoing, and we will pursue a resolution that reflects the values and concerns of our residents.”

York Business Association president Karen Thomas said the fact that the concerns of residents and businesses via a petition of over 1000 signatures were not considered was an issue.

“Although I understand they are not relevant to the EPA decision we would still hope they would be considered in any final decision by the minister,” she said.

“The big growth in our population and visitor numbers and the fact  we are now one of the go to areas for film production in WA should all be taken into consideration as we are primarily a tourist destination.

“Our members and businesses rely on this and are very concerned these hard won benefits are not lost including the major recent success of ‘Runt’ and the influx of people to the town because of it.”

Mrs Thomas said the issues with the black cockatoos and the Aboriginal birthing site have to be addressed, and this could involve  federal intervention as they are involved in all shire road clearing where there are any possible black cockatoo nesting areas and this should apply to the proposed site.

Barladong Elder Dr Marion Kickett who in April met with the EPA appeal committee chair Dr Garry Middle said she didn’t want any disturbance of the sacred dreaming of the Waagle (serpent) that created the water ways around the site.

“We have spiritual connections to country. If children died during childbirth they were buried there – we don’t want the area disturbed, they are disturbing our sacred areas of our birth and burial site. The site has been used for probably thousands of years as a place where women give birth,” she said.

“I am very disappointed in their decision and I will be attending the Balardong Corporation AGM which will be held in Northam on Saturday.  I will be addressing members of the Barladong Corporation at this meeting, and working on strategies to address this decision.”

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said council had previously expressed concerns relating to possible environmental impacts relating to the potential for leachate flow to the downstream water catchment areas, and the potential increase in traffic movements on Great Eastern highway.

A spokesperson for the City of Swan said the city had no comment on the EPA decision.