27/08/2010 Resource Recovery Project update August/September

EMRC is pleased to announce the successful nominees who were recently appointed to the newly established Community Task Force (CTF). The CTF comprises eight community members and two EMRC representatives, with an independent facilitator to guide discussion.

Fifteen nominations were received from across EMRC's six member Councils and the eight successful community members are:

Member                     Area
Martin Chape              Bellevue
Noel Hales                  Hazelmere
Jan Foster-Hawking  Gidgegannup
Max Jamieson             Helena Valley
Peter Jensen                Gidgegannup
Greg Jones                  Stoneville
Peter Pearson              Bassendean
Noelene Wigmore       Parkerville

The CTF met for the first time on Tuesday 24 August 2010, to begin discussions regarding the development of a Community Partnership Agreement (CPA). The CPA will outline the community's expectations in relation to the development and operation of the proposed resource recovery facility.

The CTF will meet next at EMRC's Community Forum on 18 September 2010, to hear first-hand the comments and concerns of community members.

Community Forum

All residents in Perth's Eastern Region are invited to join in discussions with the CTF at the upcoming Community Forum. This event will provide people with an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have over the proposed resource recovery facility and to provide direct input into the development of the Community Partnership Agreement (CPA).

People will be also be provided with an opportunity to comment on the draft tender evaluation criteria which cover technical, environmental, social and financial aspects of the planned resource recovery facility.

The forum will be held on Saturday 18 September 2010, at the Rosehill Lodge, West Parade, South Guildford between 12 noon and 4:00pm.

Other Community Engagement Activities

In July 2010, a doorknocking campaign was undertaken with residents living within 1km of the Red Hill Waste Management Facility. The campaign was important for several reasons. Firstly, these residents live closest to the site of the proposed facility and therefore may potentially be the most affected. Secondly, it was identified in the community education phase of the engagement that these residents did not receive any regular formal communication. Thirdly, it was an opportunity to bridge the communication gap by inviting these residents to nominate for the Community Task Force. And lastly, it was important to determine if these residents had any issues with current operations at the landfill site.

A total of 118 residences were visited over a four week period with 25 interviews conducted. Nearly half of those residents interviewed stated that they did not believe the proposed facility would impact upon their lifestyle. Seven of those interviewed stated they were concerned there might be an impact and listed their concerns over possible emissions, pollution of rainwater, odours and property devaluation.

Interested in attending the Community Forum?

The forum is free of charge with lunch and afternoon tea provided. Registration is essential. Please register by emailing your name and contact details to the EMRC at resourcerecovery@emrc.org.au or by phoning reception on (08) 9424 2222 by Monday 13 September 2010.

For further project information please click on the Resource Recovery Project from the home page.