Citizens called to sign petition to oppose proposed TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, VudaThey say Fiji is not Australia's ashtray
By Vijay Narayan 26/03/2026
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned citizens known as Protect the Heritage Coast - Vuda, Saweni is now gathering signatures for a petition to stop this proposed set up from going ahead.Â
The growing number of concerned citizens say in order to run the 80Mw incinerator they need to burn 900,000 tonnes of waste.Â
They say Fiji has only 200,000 tonnes of non recycled wet waste and even if it all could be burned, 700,000 tonnes of waste will have to be imported.
The group has shared a post by a very concerned Ned Cromb, who says Fiji is not Australia's ashtray.
Cromb says countries like Australia are running out of landfill space and by 2030, their waste problem becomes critical, and when solutions get rejected at home, they start looking elsewhere.
He says look at Fiji, a small land mass, fragile ecosystems, and the communities depend directly on clean land, clean water, and clean air.
Cromb says we are being asked to take on hundreds of thousands of tonnes of foreign waste every year, this is not development, this is risk transfer, and incinerators do not make waste disappear.
He says they create toxic ash, emissions, and long-term environmental liabilities that have to go somewhere.
Cromb says Australia has the space, the resources, and the responsibility to manage its own waste.
The residents say they are here to say not here, not next to our beaches, not in our backyards, and tourism is not trash.
They stress that the coastline is under threat as the waste-to-energy plant is being proposed in the heart of Saweni/Vuda, right beside Saweni Beach, Vuda Marina, First Landing Resort, Nila Resort, Landers Bay Resort and the Dreketi Inlet.
The concerned people say this is a residential and tourism zone, not an industrial dumping ground.
They call all citizens to oppose this.
Several issues of concern are being raised as the submissions continue on the proposed project.
Meanwhile the Department of Environment states that it has received an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed development of the Energy-from-Waste Industrial Precinct and Private Port at Vuda Point.
The Department says the developer, The Next Generation Holdings (Fiji) Pte Limited proposes to build a waste facility and private port that will convert waste into a domestic energy resource.
They say based on the Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2025; a member of the public may inspect and view an EIA report within 21 days after it is submitted to the Director Environment or EIA Administrator.
A physical copy of the EIA report has been made available from Monday for public viewing at the Department of Environment, Headquarters at Level 2, 318 Bali Tower, Toorak Road, Suva, Department of Environment – Western Divisional Office (Level 1, Peekays Building, 61 Vitogo Parade, Lautoka, Ba Provincial Council – Nadi Office and Vuda Marina Police Post.
After concerns raised about a soft copy is not available and the charges for it under the law being $5 per page, the Australian company has made the link now available for the proposed project and the EIA Report.
The EIA report covers more than 1500 pages in 35 different bound files.
The concerned citizens said to the Department’s credit, yesterday they said they are prepared to make available a soft copy of all 1,529 pages in order to facilitate wider, more democratic access.
But at that time they were still insisting on charging $5 a page whether it’s a paper or digital copy format, which have totaled $7,645.
You can click the link here :Â https://tngfiji.com.fj/submission-statements?fbclid=IwY2xjawQxIqRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeVw2zT2uv-Ei2c9UFq0tXRuPpiHJ4GQXL6jFkpCci5Iz-reZFGmS0rmagJms_aem_yq22FzLdvu7QK_NhsWeiEw
The Department says comments for the proposed Energy from Waste Facility and Private Port at Vuda Point received after 21 working days from the date of placement of the EIA report will be considered invalid.
All comments and feedback must be sent to the Department of Environment before 22nd April 2026 on email doewest8@gmail.com
Stay with us for developments.
Click below to see the petition
Click below to see the petition
Tabuya calls on Vuda residents to make submissions on proposed projectBy Vijay Narayan, Temalesi Vono 26/03/2026
Minister for Environment Lynda TabuyaWhile we are trying to solve issues relating to the waste management system, it will also raise issues about the protection of communities as well.
Minister for Environment, Lynda Tabuya has made the comments while speaking on the proposed waste energy project in Vuda during the 2 day Continuing Legal Education Program Towards Resilient Blue Carbon Ecosystems.
Tabuya stresses the government has to strike that balance, but she asks the lawyers on where do they come in to deal with this, and what are their thoughts around this as it is very topical right now.
She says they will see advocacy groups being formed to do this well.
Tabuya says as a ministry, they have processes in place regarding the environmental impact assessment but these are issues that will continue to come up as they try to deal with the waste management issue.
She adds it is important that they hear all voices on this - our traditional communities, our coastal communities around there as well as the resource owners.
Tabuya says right now it's the residents of Vuda that are raising their voices.
She asks what about other voices as well as this is something government needs to hear as they consider this proposal.
Tabuya's comments come amid growing opposition to a proposed 80-megawatt waste-to-energy incinerator by an Australian company in Saweni, Vuda.
She echoed the importance of inclusive dialogue, highlighting the need to hear from coastal communities, traditional resource owners and other stakeholders whose livelihoods may be affected.
Tabuya also acknowledges the concerns raised by members of the public regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port at Vuda Point.
Tabuya says as Minister, she takes responsibility for ensuring that their processes are transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the people.
She says recognises that access during standard government hours has been a challenge for many.
Tabuya says in response, the Department of Environment has extended viewing access by making the EIA Report available at First Landing Beach Resort and Villas, with access now available daily until 11pm.
She says additional access remains available at their offices in Suva, Lautoka and the Ba Provincial Office during normal working hours.
The Minister says the 21-day public review period, from 23rd March to 22nd April this year, is an important first step in the EIA process.
She strongly encourages all Fijians, particularly those located in close proximity to the proposed development, to take this opportunity to review the report and provide their written submissions.
Tabuya clarifies that the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 prescribes current requirements for physical access to EIA reports, including the 21-day period, as well as the fee of $5 per page.
She says these are legal provisions that the Department is required to follow.
However, she acknowledges that access to information is a constitutional right, and that their systems must reflect this.
Tabuya says that is why their ministry has proposed amendments of the current regulations to make EIA reports more accessible, including more practical and modern ways for the public to access information.
These proposed amendments are currently under review with the Solicitor General’s office.
While we are trying to solve issues relating to the waste management system, it will also raise issues about the protection of communities as well.
Minister for Environment, Lynda Tabuya has made the comments while speaking on the proposed waste energy project in Vuda during the 2 day Continuing Legal Education Program Towards Resilient Blue Carbon Ecosystems.
Tabuya stresses the government has to strike that balance, but she asks the lawyers on where do they come in to deal with this, and what are their thoughts around this as it is very topical right now.
She says they will see advocacy groups being formed to do this well.
Tabuya says as a ministry, they have processes in place regarding the environmental impact assessment but these are issues that will continue to come up as they try to deal with the waste management issue.
She adds it is important that they hear all voices on this - our traditional communities, our coastal communities around there as well as the resource owners.
Tabuya says right now it's the residents of Vuda that are raising their voices.
She asks what about other voices as well as this is something government needs to hear as they consider this proposal.
She echoed the importance of inclusive dialogue, highlighting the need to hear from coastal communities, traditional resource owners and other stakeholders whose livelihoods may be affected.
Tabuya also acknowledges the concerns raised by members of the public regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port at Vuda Point.
Tabuya says as Minister, she takes responsibility for ensuring that their processes are transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the people.
She says recognises that access during standard government hours has been a challenge for many.
Tabuya says in response, the Department of Environment has extended viewing access by making the EIA Report available at First Landing Beach Resort and Villas, with access now available daily until 11pm.
She says additional access remains available at their offices in Suva, Lautoka and the Ba Provincial Office during normal working hours.
The Minister says the 21-day public review period, from 23rd March to 22nd April this year, is an important first step in the EIA process.
She strongly encourages all Fijians, particularly those located in close proximity to the proposed development, to take this opportunity to review the report and provide their written submissions.
Tabuya clarifies that the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 prescribes current requirements for physical access to EIA reports, including the 21-day period, as well as the fee of $5 per page.
She says these are legal provisions that the Department is required to follow.
However, she acknowledges that access to information is a constitutional right, and that their systems must reflect this.
Tabuya says that is why their ministry has proposed amendments of the current regulations to make EIA reports more accessible, including more practical and modern ways for the public to access information.
These proposed amendments are currently under review with the Solicitor General’s office.
Dept of Environment apologises for inconvenience caused regarding EIA report accessMore consultations regarding proposed Vuda project
By Vijay Narayan 26/03/2026
As concerned citizens continue to raise issues regarding the Australian company TNG's proposed Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, the Department of Environment has now reaffirmed that this is only the first stage of public participation.
The Department says the second stage will involve formal public consultation sessions designed to capture the broadest possible range of community views, concerns, and recommendations.
A formal public notice will be published once consultation dates, times and venues have been confirmed.
The Department of Environment apologises for the inconvenience caused regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port to be situated at Vuda Point by The Next Generation Holding (PTE) Limited.
They say they have heard clearly from members of the public that access during standard government hours has been challenging, particularly for those who are only available outside the 8.00am to 4.00pm window.
To support the public and ensure wider accessibility, the Department has placed the EIA Report at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas, accessible from today, with viewing permitted from Monday to Sunday until 11.00pm.
They say this arrangement was made specifically to provide extended access, and the Department apologises for any earlier inconvenience faced by the public.
The Department reaffirms that the 21-day public review period, from 23rd March to 22nd April 2026, is the first formal stage of public engagement under the EIA process.
Members of the public are invited to review the report and provide written submissions by 22nd April 2026 within the prescribed public consultation period.
The report is available for public inspection at designated locations, free of charge, including extended access arrangements at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas and the Vuda Marina Police Post.Â
Viewing will also be facilitated at the Department of Environment Headquarters in Suva, the Department of Environment Lautoka Office, and the Ba Provincial Office at Rogorogivuda House in Lautoka during government hours from Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm.
The Department says any unauthorized reproduction or distribution outside this process undermines the integrity of the EIA process and is not permitted.
The Department also acknowledges the public’s request for the EIA Report in digital form.
However, access to the environmental register, including EIA Reports, is governed by the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007, which the Department is legally required to comply with.Â
Under Regulation 41(2)(e) and 41(4), the environmental register must be made available for inspection and copying during normal office hours on payment of the prescribed fee.
The Department says unless amendments to the law are made, the Department cannot distribute digital copies as it would expose the Department to legal challenge and undermine the integrity of the regulatory process.Â
The Department is aware that the proponent has indicated its intention to make the EIA Report available through its own social media channels at its discretion.
The Department clarifies that this decision is undertaken independently by the proponent and does not form part of the formal EIA review process administered by the Department.
They recognize that the current EIA Regulations, introduced in 2007, require modernization.
Amendments to the regulatory framework are currently underway.
Meanwhile the group of concerned citizens known as Protect the Heritage Coast - Vuda, Saweni is now gathering signatures for a petition to stop this proposed set up from going ahead.Â
The growing number of concerned citizens say in order to run the 80Mw incinerator they need to burn 900,000 tonnes of waste.Â
They say Fiji has only 200,000 tonnes of non recycled wet waste and even if it all could be burned, 700,000 tonnes of waste will have to be imported.
According to the Australian company, the proposed integrated Energy-from-Waste and Industrial Precinct at Vuda Point, will transform waste into clean energy for Fiji's sustainable future.
The daily capacity will be 2,700 tonnes of waste, and annual processing will be 900,000 tonnes.
The power output expected from the waste is 80MWÂ
The site area will be 85 hectares and the total investment is FJ$1.4 billion.
It also says the proposed Energy-from-Waste plant anchors a broader industrial Estate designed for long-term growth and diversification.
The co-located industries to benefit from reliable power, steam, and strategic port access include data centres and digital infrastructure, desalination and water treatment, agro-processing and food manufacturing and green manufacturing facilities.
They say the environmental standards will meet strict EU emissions standards with advanced pollution control systems and continuous monitoring for environmental protection.
As concerned citizens continue to raise issues regarding the Australian company TNG's proposed Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, the Department of Environment has now reaffirmed that this is only the first stage of public participation.
The Department says the second stage will involve formal public consultation sessions designed to capture the broadest possible range of community views, concerns, and recommendations.
A formal public notice will be published once consultation dates, times and venues have been confirmed.
The Department of Environment apologises for the inconvenience caused regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port to be situated at Vuda Point by The Next Generation Holding (PTE) Limited.
They say they have heard clearly from members of the public that access during standard government hours has been challenging, particularly for those who are only available outside the 8.00am to 4.00pm window.
To support the public and ensure wider accessibility, the Department has placed the EIA Report at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas, accessible from today, with viewing permitted from Monday to Sunday until 11.00pm.
They say this arrangement was made specifically to provide extended access, and the Department apologises for any earlier inconvenience faced by the public.
The Department reaffirms that the 21-day public review period, from 23rd March to 22nd April 2026, is the first formal stage of public engagement under the EIA process.
Members of the public are invited to review the report and provide written submissions by 22nd April 2026 within the prescribed public consultation period.
The report is available for public inspection at designated locations, free of charge, including extended access arrangements at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas and the Vuda Marina Police Post.Â
Viewing will also be facilitated at the Department of Environment Headquarters in Suva, the Department of Environment Lautoka Office, and the Ba Provincial Office at Rogorogivuda House in Lautoka during government hours from Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm.
The Department says any unauthorized reproduction or distribution outside this process undermines the integrity of the EIA process and is not permitted.
The Department also acknowledges the public’s request for the EIA Report in digital form.
However, access to the environmental register, including EIA Reports, is governed by the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007, which the Department is legally required to comply with.Â
Under Regulation 41(2)(e) and 41(4), the environmental register must be made available for inspection and copying during normal office hours on payment of the prescribed fee.
The Department says unless amendments to the law are made, the Department cannot distribute digital copies as it would expose the Department to legal challenge and undermine the integrity of the regulatory process.Â
The Department is aware that the proponent has indicated its intention to make the EIA Report available through its own social media channels at its discretion.
The Department clarifies that this decision is undertaken independently by the proponent and does not form part of the formal EIA review process administered by the Department.
They recognize that the current EIA Regulations, introduced in 2007, require modernization.
Amendments to the regulatory framework are currently underway.
Meanwhile the group of concerned citizens known as Protect the Heritage Coast - Vuda, Saweni is now gathering signatures for a petition to stop this proposed set up from going ahead.Â
The growing number of concerned citizens say in order to run the 80Mw incinerator they need to burn 900,000 tonnes of waste.Â
They say Fiji has only 200,000 tonnes of non recycled wet waste and even if it all could be burned, 700,000 tonnes of waste will have to be imported.
According to the Australian company, the proposed integrated Energy-from-Waste and Industrial Precinct at Vuda Point, will transform waste into clean energy for Fiji's sustainable future.
The daily capacity will be 2,700 tonnes of waste, and annual processing will be 900,000 tonnes.
The power output expected from the waste is 80MWÂ
The site area will be 85 hectares and the total investment is FJ$1.4 billion.
It also says the proposed Energy-from-Waste plant anchors a broader industrial Estate designed for long-term growth and diversification.
The co-located industries to benefit from reliable power, steam, and strategic port access include data centres and digital infrastructure, desalination and water treatment, agro-processing and food manufacturing and green manufacturing facilities.
They say the environmental standards will meet strict EU emissions standards with advanced pollution control systems and continuous monitoring for environmental protection.
PM yet to comment on Australian businessman saying proposed Vuda project backed by PM and cabinetBy Vijay Narayan 02/04/2026
Photo: Protect the Heritage Coast -Vuda, SaweniPrime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is yet to say anything relating to the comments made to The Australian by Diala-Dump founder Ian Malouf who is spearheading The Next Generation Fiji's proposed waste to energy project earmarked for the Vuda-Saweni Bay corridor.Â
Malouf is quoted as saying that his proposed Vuda waste to energy proposal had the backing of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his cabinet, and that "just a few selfish people don't want it in their backyard".
He says Fiji burns 200 million litres of diesel each year and with the war going on, the price is increasing.
Malouf says this is 80MW of baseload power solving Fiji's waste problem at the same time.
The report says the Australian billionaire behind a failed bid to build a waste-to-energy plant in Western Sydney has set his sights on Fiji, with the proposal to build a $900 million incinerator – fuelled in part by rubbish from Australia and neighbouring island nations – in Vuda which is one of the country's most prized coastlines.
We have asked Rabuka what are his comments on what Malouf has said, what are his comments on the people opposing the proposed project, and what is his assurance to the people who may draw conclusions that the government has already agreed to the project which is still in the consultation stages.
Malouf says the project would operate to EU standards, save $160 million annually in imported diesel, reduce greenhouse emissions by 84 per cent, and solve its growing waste problem.
The 80MW generating plant would be built alongside a new deep water port at Naikorokoro Point, an area popular with tourists and yachties and surrounded by mangrove systems.
Opponents of the plan say they are fighting an uphill battle to prevent it from going ahead given the wealth and influence of the businessmen behind it, including Rob Cromb – whose mother is Fijian and the founder of the Kookai fashion label.
Cromb is expected to speak to us later.
