The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region has reiterated her support for the innovative Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) project.
Speaking in State Parliament on the EfW project Ms Bath called on the Allan Labor Government to publicly support its establishment stating the project once built, will divert up to 325,000 tonnes of non-recyclable household waste from landfill and provide energy certainty to the mill.
A heavy natural gas user, Opal’s Maryvale Mill has been at the forefront of manufacturing in Latrobe Valley for over 80 years – this project would boost much needed skilled employment in the region.
“Opal is our single largest employer and the EfW project would allow the Maryvale Mill to continue manufacturing of its specialised brown paper packaging into the future.
“The Allan Labor Government’s diabolical decision to end native harvesting in Victoria has shut down the mill’s white paper manufacturing division, so it’s imperative state, federal and local government remove all roadblocks and support the progress of this important project.
“Worldwide, advanced countries have adopted a circular economy which minimises waste – instead of sending rubbish into landfill, materials are kept in circulation through processes including reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and EfW.”
Ms Bath said environmentally and economically the EfW project stacks up.
“The project when operational has been scientifically proven to reduce 543,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions with its state of the art technology – that’s the equivalent of taking 100,000 cars off the road.
“Economically it would create upwards of 1000 jobs during construction and 900 jobs ongoing, which is exactly the news our region needs given its been haemorrhaging skilled technical jobs at the hands of the Allan Labor Government.
“It would also free up natural gas for Victorian households when exploration has been banned and supplies are dwindling.
“Latrobe Valley and Gippsland desperately need job growth and energy security and the Maryvale EfW project is a win win.”
