Tip application refused

The panel felt that the proposed tip, which would accommodate waste from the metropolitan area, was inconsistent with objectives in an agricultural region.

Sita Australia, the waste management company that submitted the application, may choose to appeal the decision at the State Administrative Tribunal.

About 120 people, most of whom were opposed to the landfill, filled the York Town Hall for the meeting and cheered when the panel announced its decision.

The landfill application was unpopular with residents and visitors to the Avon Valley, and many thought it would devalue land, decrease tourism and have a negative impact on the natural environment.

The JDAP members included presiding member David Gray, deputy presiding member Robert Fenn, specialist member Terry Tyzack, local government member from the Shire of York Mark Duperouzel, and local government member from the Shire of York Matthew Reid.

Denis Hill, from the Avon Valley Residents Association, made a presentation against the application and outlined a number of discrepancies with Sita’s data.

Jacky Jurmann, from the Shire of York, also made a presentation against the application.

‘The benefits suggested by the applicant haven’t been quantified,’ Ms Jurmann said.

Eugene Ferraro represented the Shire of York and presented against the application. He addressed regional and local considerations.

Mr Farraro said it was not reasonable to ask York to manage the waste facility because Perth was not able to manage its own waste responsibly.

‘It is clear from the submissions that the community is concerned about how this facility would be managed,’ he said.

Peter McGowan and Nial Stock, from Sita, presented for the application to be conditionally approved.

‘The JDAP decision is disappointing as Sita remains confident the landfill is a safe, suitable and appropriate development for the proposed site,’ Sita WA general manager Stock said.

Mr Stock said on Wednesday that Sita would lodge an appeal against the decision.

‘We will ask for a review by the State Administrative Tribunal as we believe this will allow for a fair examination of the project,’ Mr Stock said.