Tara Murray
An independent environmental audit is currently being undertaken on the former Albion Explosives Site in Cairnlea.
A new residential neighbourhood development is slated for the 41-hectare site on Ballarat Road.
Residents have raised concerns about the development, including the environmental impacts of the past use of the site.
The environmental audit is expected to be finalised in late 2022.
Once remediation works are complete and the audit process has been finalised, a report will be prepared and submitted to the Environment Protection Authority and Brimbank council.
The report will then be available via the EPA website.
Development Victoria property development group head Penny Forrest said as Cairnlea is the former home of the Commonwealth Albion Explosives Factory, remediation has been required at several sites throughout the suburb.
“We will undertake all further remediation work before a planning permit application is lodged for the site.”
The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on all details of development through a public exhibition and consultation process scheduled to take place early next year.
This comes as a community group continues its push to ensure the development is in the best needs of the community.
The group recently held an event at the Cairnlea Shopping Centre to share its concerns and vision for the site.
Among those helping out were councillors Virginia Tachos, Victoria Borg and Thuy Dang.
The group said the day was successful, with more than 60 people wanting more information, while others took keen interest in what they were doing.
“It was so lovely to meet and hear from local residents today about the hoops and vision they have for their neighbourhood,” the group said on social media.
“There was definitely a positive and constructive community vibe felt this morning.”
Group spokesperson Graeme Blore had previously called for Planning Minister Richard Wynne to hold off on signing anything regarding the site until further investigations, information and consultation is held.
