Declining living standards and pollution from early-hours industrial emissions are among the major environmental issues facing Brimbank in the next 20 years, an independent inquiry has heard.
Community groups, including the Brimbank Greens, met last Wednesday in Sunshine to voice their concerns to the state’s environmental watchdog.
Sunshine is one of 17 locations to host inquiries that will guide Environment Protection Authority operations in coming years.
Highlighted as key issues by the groups were improving operating standards of Brooklyn industries, giving the EPA “more teeth, more power”, the heat build-up due to lack of tree canopies, and groundwater pollution.
Stop the Tip spokeswoman Mia Marevic said the EPA’s lack of consultation on a tip extension at Ravenhall loomed large.
“Landfills and communities don’t mix,” she said. “There is a lack of follow-up from the EPA about odour complaints.
“We’re afraid about the quality of our air.”
Save Sunvale spokesman John Hedditch questioned whether the EPA used world’s best practice.
“We have an existing framework, which doesn’t work,” he said.
More EPA action needed
Friends of Iramoo’s Helen Rzesniowiecki said the EPA needed to be “proactive, not reactive”, while Cairnlea Green founder Graeme Blore said there needed to be an EPA office in the western suburbs.
“We need a genuine 24/7 service,” he said. “It needs stronger research and development.
“The EPA also needs to build stronger relationships with schools. I feel they favour industry over the community.
“With new suburbs like Rockbank and Plumpton popping up, we need adequate parklands. There is a clear lack of parks and shade cover.”
The inquiry’s chairwoman, Penny Armytage, welcomed the feedback.
“We want to better understand individual, community and business needs so that the EPA can be well equipped to meet Victoria’s future challenges,” she said.
