The current proposal by Remondis to develop a waste to energy facility in Swanbank is not appropriate for Ipswich’s rapidly growing community, according to Ipswich Labor MPs.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said there needed to be a greater focus on avoiding the creation of waste altogether, alongside reuse and recycling.

“We need less waste and more job creating recycling which is better for our community, the environment and the economy,” Mr McCallum said.

“A waste to energy facility is inappropriate to be placed in the middle of an urban community that is undergoing significant population growth and development.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard added: “Projects like waste to energy should be located away from our fast growing, highly populated urban community to a more suitable location.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the Palaszczuk Government had taken strong and effective measures to reduce waste locally with the re-introduction of a waste levy.

“The waste levy has resulted in a significant reduction in the volume of waste coming into Queensland,” Mr Madden said.

“It defies reason and belief that One Nation and the LNP voted against the waste levy, which would re-open the floodgates for interstate dumpers.”

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said waste projects could not encourage greater use of waste, discourage reuse and recycling or impact residents in any way.

“My constituents, like many Queenslanders, are managing their own household waste differently with a view to reducing their waste as much as possible,” Ms Mullen said.

“This is something I am very supportive of and is in line with our government’s commitment to Queensland becoming a zero waste state where waste is avoided, reused and recycled to the greatest possible extent.”