Krause pushed for position on BERC - Tamborine Mountain News

SPEAKING UP: Federal independent candidate Adam Daggmarr has questioned Scenic Rim State MP Jon Krause’s response to the proposed Bromelton incinerator

Federal independent candidate Adam Daggmarr has voiced his opposition to the proposed Bromelton Energy and Resource Centre (BERC), while criticising State Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause for his perceived silence on the issue.

Waste management company Cleanaway has proposed a waste-to-energy incinerator at Bromelton, which would process up to 760,000 tonnes of waste annually.

“I am against the Bromelton Energy and Resource Centre because I believe the potential economic and environmental risks outweigh the benefits,” Mr Daggmarr said.

“Particularly for the Scenic Rim’s agricultural industry, boutique tourism, natural environment and local road network.”

Mr Daggmarr raised concerns about the proposal’s potential impact on environment and tourism, increased traffic movements and the visual impact of a planned 95-metre chimney.

“We’ve got a very special and beautiful region – we’ve got a thriving agricultural industry, lots of farm-to-plate initiatives, national parks, beautiful mountains,” he said.

“I’m worried about whether it may be too much development and there not being enough infrastructure or putting in developments that may jeopardise the environment and what makes the area special.”

In a video shared across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, Mr Daggmarr claimed Mr Krause was “eerily silent” on the proposal, compared with his previous opposition to a separate incinerator proposal at Swanbank in 2020.

During a parliamentary speech in September 2020, Mr Krause spoke against the proposed Remondis incinerator at Swanbank, calling on the people of Ipswich to reject incinerators.

“If there are lots of people in the community that are worried, then he should be representing that,” Mr Daggmarr said.

Krause responds

Responding to the criticism, Mr Krause said he had been listening to residents’ views on the proposal, acknowledging differing opinions within the community.

“There are people who support the proposal, those who oppose it, and others seeking further information,” he added.

Rather than declaring a position on the development, Mr Krause encouraged residents to participate in the formal consultation process before submissions close on November 16.

“This is a vital opportunity for people to make their views known to the decision maker,” he said.

In his response, Mr Krause did not indicate whether he supported or opposed the proposal.

Awareness needed

Mr Daggmarr questioned whether enough Scenic Rim residents were aware of the BERC proposal and had sufficient information to form their own views.

“I completely understand that there are so many other issues that is going on as well, but I wish more people would know about it because I think it’s going to have a big effect on the community,” he said.