Development Commences Amidst Concerns Over Noise Impact on Animals at Adjacent Pound
Concerns have reignited as the development of Point Cook’s first recycling depot for the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) begins, with an expected opening date by the end of July. According to Rob Brown, chief chance creator at social enterprise Recycle4Change, the facility keys will be received on July 24. Recycle4Change, the Wyndham network operator for the CDS, will be operating the depot.
Brown announced that the necessary equipment has already been installed and commissioned, and they are set to start singulating containers by the end of the month.
This development follows Wyndham council’s decision almost a year ago to lease a vacant property on Wallace Avenue to Recycle4Change for the recycling facility. However, the proposed location’s proximity to the Wyndham pound and animal adoption center sparked opposition from vets and animal welfare campaigners. They expressed concerns about the potential impact of machinery noise on the animals next door.
Speaking against the project last year, Dr. Karen Davies of Direct Vet Services emphasized the risks posed to the animals. “Animals, particularly dogs and cats, are highly sensitive to noise, crowding, and stress. The proposed refuse disposal facility, with its associated machinery and potential for elevated noise and vibration, poses a serious threat to the well-being of animals under the council’s care,” Dr. Davies stated.
After agreeing to strict conditions, including restricted operating hours and acoustic and vibration testing, Recycle4Change’s proposal was narrowly approved by the council’s planning committee in December. Deputy Mayor Josh Gilligan supported the project, highlighting the strict conditions, while Councillor Robert Szatkowski and others remained concerned about the risks to the animals.
Despite the delays caused by the need for building refitting and proper planning processes, Brown expressed gratitude towards Wyndham council for their support. “The support from council since we got the agreement to use the building has been stunning,” he said.
The Point Cook depot has already employed 14 individuals who are currently undergoing training at Recycle4Change’s existing recycling depot in Geelong. Brown mentioned that the workforce primarily consists of women and juveniles who have been impacted by the justice system.
Recycle4Change and its sister organization, Fruit2Work, specialize in employing ex-prisoners. Brown expects the depot’s workforce to double in the next 18 months, with the Point Cook facility projected to be 30% busier than its North Geelong counterpart.
With each container attracting a 10 cent refund, Brown believes this initiative will bring more money into Point Cook and Wyndham. “We’ve processed 6 million containers at our North Geelong site since November. That’s generated $600,000 worth of revenue and income for marginalized people of North Geelong, and we expect it will do the same for Wyndham, if not more,” he stated.
As development commences, the community remains divided, balancing the benefits of the recycling facility with ongoing concerns about animal welfare at the adjacent pound.
