Odour-stressed residents can breathe a sigh of relief – for the moment at least – after Boral announced it will not appeal against Melton council’s decision to oppose its application to expand its landfill site in Ravenhall.
Boral Waste Solutions general manager Richard McCarthy said the decision not to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal came after listening to the concerns of the community and the council.
Mr McCarthy said Boral would go back to the drawing board and submit a new application later in the year.
“The essential facts haven’t changed – Melbourne still needs this critical piece of infrastructure and Boral is keen to find a positive way forward,” he said.
“We recognise we need to review how we are handling this process and listen more to the community.
“Boral takes community concerns seriously and we are working closely with council, residents and the EPA to respond to the issues raised.”
The news has been welcomed by the community, with Stop the Tip spokeswoman Marion Martin saying that while the fight may not be over, the community had won the initial battle.
“We’re ready for the big fight … we’re continuing on and ready for the next round,” Ms Martin said. “We’ve won two battles but haven’t yet won the war.”
She congratulated residents for their hard work and dedication.
“This is definitely a win for the community,” she said.
Ms Martin said she believed Boral would proceed with the matter slowly and would reapply for a permit on a much smaller scale.
Melton council voted to reject the proposed expansion after receiving 6600 written objections and a petition signed by 10,000 residents.
