DEBATE over road contributions for an expanded Windellama landfill will resume in court next week.
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The costly case between landfill owners, Hi Quality Group and Goulburn Mulwaree Council goes another round in the NSW Land and Environment Court from next Monday to Wednesday.
The company wants to increase non-putrescible waste receipt from 20,000 to 125,000 tonnes and recyclables from 5000 to 25,000 tonnes per annum at its Oallen Ford Rd facility. But the two parties have been locked in a legal battle since Council’s refusal of the application last May.
Hi Quality is contesting road contributions and planning refusal on the basis of environmental, road and amenity impacts and the level of community concern. At a recent meeting councillors were updated on progress in a closed session as it involved legal advice.
They agreed to file draft conditions of consent requiring upgrade of the haulage route in line with what a report had outlined. Secondly, the mayor and general manager were authorised to enter into a “suitable agreement based on a without prejudice counter offer,” also detailed in the report.
Crs Geoff Peterson and Denzil Sturgiss voted against the motion. Asked whether Council was considering departing from its development control plan in regard to road contributions, planning director Chris Stewart said this was not the case.
“Council is very clear on the road standard and wants the applicant to comply with nominated road width and strength,” he said.
Mr Stewart said the main point of discussion was how the road contributions would be paid – in a lump sum or a cents/km/tonne basis. Council initially estimated a $2.75 million road upgrade bill but now say this was not based on precise investigations.
“We anticipate telling the (court) commissioner we’ve reached agreement on the road upgrade,” Mr Stewart said.
“Hopefully that can be put to one side and we’ll then talk about amenity and environmental issues.”
The three day hearing may be cut short if the parties reach agreement. Mr Stewart earlier estimated the case would cost Council about $50,000. It cannot claim costs in this jurisdiction if it wins.
