The IPC’s decision is now being appealed in the Land and Environment Court.<\/p>\n
In its first statement to the ABC since the project was proposed five years ago, the RePoly said it was the target of fearmongering.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, a small group has been spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary fear among local residents,” a spokesperson said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“This has misled the public and caused reputational harm to our company.<\/p>\n
“However, we are encouraged that many residents now understand the facts and have expressed support for the project.”<\/p>\n
The statement described the project as “entirely reasonable, lawful, and compliant with all relevant planning requirements”.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
RePoly is proposing to build a plastic recycling factory at this site in Moss Vale. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)<\/p>\n
Four respondents have signed onto the case: the IPC, the Garvan Institute (which operates a medical research facility on land that borders the site), and two community members \u2014 councillor Rachel Russell and Southern Highlands Matters (SHM) chair Sam Wood.<\/p>\n
The SHM community group was the target of criticism in RePoly’s statement.<\/p>\n
It has responded with a statement rejecting the suggestion it has spread any misinformation.<\/p>\n
“We are committed to a fact-based engagement with the community, allowing residents to fully understand for themselves the complete set of risks to health, amenity, and environment that RePoly threatens,” it said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Locals gathered to protest RePoly \u2013 then Plasrefine \u2013 when it launched its appeal earlier this year. (ABC Illawarra: Mikayla McGuirk-Scolaro)<\/p>\n
Campaign launch<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, SHM’s “Reject RePoly” campaign launch and fundraising drive was attended by 60 people.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Southern Highlands Matters chair Sam Woods is one of the four respondents in the appeal. (Supplied: Sam Wood)<\/p>\n
Ms Wood said she was representing SHM and the community in the appeal and hoped to raise awareness of the process.<\/p>\n
“I really do think there’s strong opposition, but we’re still in the process of getting the word out there about the Land and Environment appeal,” she said.<\/p>\n
“It’s a very different process than the community went through with the IPC meetings, so I think they’re still understanding what that means.”<\/p>\n