Moss Vale community battle over plastic factory heads to court

A long-standing community dispute regarding a proposed 24/7 plastic recycling plant in Moss Vale is set to be heard in the Land and Environment Court on Monday, October 19. The facility, proposed by Repoly, would span 3 hectares and aim to process up to 120,000 tonnes of plastic annually.

Local residents and community groups have raised significant concerns regarding the site's proximity to the Moss Vale town centre and its location just 10 metres from riparian waterways that feed into Warragamba Dam. Opponents, including the charity Southern Highlands Matters, cite potential risks of air and water pollution, specifically the spread of microplastics into local vineyards, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.

Local business owners have also expressed fears that the factory could negatively impact tourism and the regional economy due to environmental and health concerns.