Sydney property mogul Theo Onisforou has accused Wingecarribee Shire Council of abandoning the community in its fight against a plastics refinery proposal in Moss Vale, branding the council’s actions “improper” and “ridiculous”.
Repoly Pty Ltd, formerly Plasrefine Recycling, is appealing a decision by the NSW Independent Planning Commission earlier this year to block its proposal for a large plastics recycling facility in Moss Vale. The commission had found the project posed unacceptable risks to both the environment and the community.
According to The Daily Telegraph, despite declaring its “longstanding opposition” to the project, Wingecarribee Council has chosen not to join the Land and Environment Court appeal as a party, citing legal advice and potential costs of up to $500,000.
Mr Onisforou, who owns a cattle stud in Kangaloon and is known for developing The Intersection shopping precinct in Paddington, offered to cover those costs with a $500,000 community-backed donation.
The council rejected the offer, later releasing a draft policy – drawn up after the decision – stating it would not accept financial contributions linked to development applications.
In a series of emails to councillors and the mayor, Mr Onisforou said: “I can find no other circumstance in history where a council won a DA fight and then refused to back their own decision as a litigant on appeal.”
He further warned that a Repoly victory would be disastrous for the Southern Highlands: “Microplastics are the asbestos of the 21st century. They’ll poison us slowly… and the council’s excuse is money? Ridiculous.”
Mr Onisforou has since lodged complaints with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Local Government Minister, questioning why the council has no “logical” reason for refusing to fight the appeal in court.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
