News
24 June, 2026
Russell steps back from Repoly case
Wingecarribee Shire Councillor Rachel Russell will no longer be a party to the Repoly appeal.
Wingecarribee Shire Councillor Rachel Russell will no longer be a party to the Repoly appeal.
Cr Russell's lawyers this afternoon (24 June 2026) informed the Land and Environment Court that their client withdraws from the proceedings.
Cr Russell says the time is right to 'step back' as the 'community's legal representation is now firmly established.'
Cr Russell joined the legal fight against Repoly's appeal of the Independent Planning Commission's decision to reject the project after Wingecarribee Shire Council voted not to become a party to the Land and Environment Court proceedings.
Environmental law firm Johnson Legal has represented Cr Russell throughout the process, with barrister Bianca Collingwood appearing in the matter.
Cr Russell said her involvement had been aimed at ensuring the community had access to the resources needed to participate in the legal process.
"I entered this case to reassure my community that all the resources we needed would be able to come on board for the legal fight," she said.
"All the bases are now covered for the legal case, so I will continue to support the fight in my role as a councillor," Cr Russell said.
She said she remained confident the community would ultimately prevail.
"I know, together, we will win this fight to protect the health, safety and prosperity of our beautiful Southern Highlands."
As previously reported by The Southern Wire, Repoly, formerly Plasrefine are appealing the decision of the IPC to refuse the proposed plastic recycling facility in Moss Vale.
The hearing is listed for two weeks in October.
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