Jobs
A key selling point employed by incinerator companies is that they create jobs. SIRRL claims that the proposed Waimate incinerator will create hundreds of jobs in the construction phase and then 100 jobs when operating. However, incinerators actually destroy jobs. Although a W-t-E facility may provide jobs in Glenavy, SIRRL proposes diverting waste from landfills, resulting in displaced employment elsewhere. This is not creating jobs.
The EU social enterprise reuse, repair, and recycling group RREUSE recently investigated and found that for every job an incinerator creates, recycling centres create 36 jobs, and reuse activities create 296 jobs. Waste and recycling services will become the fastest-growing sector as our country moves towards a circular economy. Incineration is not part of this shift.
"Waimate doesn't need the jobs" - Waimate mayor, Craig Rowley.
The Waimate district is currently struggling to fill available employment positions. Dairy factory developments in the Waimate District has seen employees bused in from outside the district. These employees pay rates and shop somewhere else. How does this help Waimate? Do we need to add more competition for employers? There is also a shortage of available accommodation in the district.
Mayor Craig Rowley recently stated at a council meeting at the Willowbridge Hall, “We don’t need jobs.”