IF IT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR SYDNEY, IT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR LITHGOW

The Nationals Candidate for Calare Sam Farraway has lodged a formal submission opposing the proposed Energy from Waste (EfW) incinerator at Wallerawang, declaring it a “deeply unfair and unacceptable” plan that would turn Lithgow into Sydney’s dumping ground.

Mr Farraway said the community had already rejected this proposal once in 2021—and now the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is bringing it back under a new name, causing anger and fear across Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland.

“Me and my team have been on the ground door knocking for weeks. The message from locals is loud and clear: they don’t want this incinerator in their backyard,” Mr Farraway said.

“Families are worried about their kids’ health, their homes and the future of their town. And honestly—who can blame them? If this facility isn’t good enough for Sydney, then it’s not good enough for Lithgow.”

Mr Farraway said there is double standard at play with Federal Labor Minister Chris Bowen previously opposed to a similar proposal at Eastern Creek in his own electorate.

“Chris Bowen didn’t want it in his backyard—so why should our community be forced to accept it?” Mr Farraway said.

“We’re trying to grow Lithgow and attract families, tourism and investment. You don’t do that by dropping a waste incinerator in the middle of town. This sends the wrong message.

“We’ve been a dumping ground for windfarms—and now they want to truck in Sydney’s waste too? Enough is enough.

“I’m calling on the NSW Government and the EPA to immediately remove the Wallerawang site from consideration and respect the wishes of the local community.”

Key concerns raised in the submission include:

• The site is too close to homes, schools and families—posing serious public health risks.

• The community was previously assured the proposal was off the table.

• The project threatens local growth, liveability and investment.

• There’s no guarantee it won’t cause long-term environmental harm.