Ravenhall tip: ‘Halted’ call until odour issues addressed, say council

LATEST: Controversial plans for the extension of the Ravenhall landfill should be halted until “significant” odour issues have been addressed, say Brimbank council.

Objecting to Boral’s plans to expand last night at an ordinary meeting of council Chairman John Watson said any increases should be made in strict, incremental stages.

“It’s too much too soon,” he said. “The potential for problems is too great. Clearly there are problems with it.

“Our residents are taking the brunt of the odour issues.”

Administrator John Tanner said the site was an important facility but “it must be managed properly”.

A council report found it had received a number of complaints from Brimbank residents about amenity issues.

“Residents have indicated the odour from the landfill is significant, and are personally recording the date and times of odour occurences.”

Council also said “an additional buffer area of 1000 metres is required within the perimeter of the proposed landfill site to provide a suitable additional distance from existing and proposed buildings and structures”, subject to EPA guidelines.

A 500-metre buffer is currently proposed.

The council hoped any future expansion would be approved in stages. It also also objected to the extension of a landfill in Truganina.

The council has no jurisdiction over both matters, however it can raise concerns.