By Sumeyya Ilanbey and Ben Cameron
Brimbank council says its residents need a better understanding of the environmental impacts of a proposed tip expansion in Ravenhall.
Officially objecting to Cleanaway’s planning permit application to expand the tip, the council is calling for more information on likely odour, dust and litter effects on neighbouring properties.
The application proposes the expansion of the landfill operations by 311 hectares to the west and north-west of the existing landfill area, and the permit’s life to 2069.
The council, which has no jurisdiction over the issue, is calling for an independent impact assessment report by an environmental auditor.
“Any expansion of the Melbourne Regional Landfill [should not] be approved until such time as the off-site amenity impact to nearby residents is resolved, specifically in relation to odour, dust and litter,” a council report states.
“The council is concerned about the expansion of landfill sites and the amenity impacts on surrounding land uses, particularly residential uses.”
The council is also worried about dust emissions from trucks and wants to see a one-kilometre buffer zone between the tip and residential areas.
“Of more concern is the proposal to approve a significant expansion to the landfill operation in the light of government policy which seeks to reduce Victoria’s reliance on using landfills for waste disposal,” the report adds.
Brimbank administrators chairman John Watson said there should be a renewed focus on new waste disposal technology “sooner rather than later”. His comments drew cheers from a handful of Stop The Tip protestors who sat in the gallery during last week’s council meeting.
Melton councillors have refused to support Cleanaway’s plans to expand the Ravenhall landfill, citing a lack of transparency and “absence of key information”.
At a special meeting earlier this month, councillors unanimously voted to make a submission to Planning Minister Richard Wynne, who called in the planning application earlier this year, objecting to Cleanaway’s plans.
In their report, council officers recommended council make a submission to the planning panel calling for a thorough investigation.
But Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik moved an alternative recommendation, outlining council’s decision to refuse to support Cleanaway’s application based on a number of reasons, including ongoing odour issues, a lack of transparency and traffic issues.
Councillors Sophie Ramsey, Lara Carli, Bob Turner, Nola Dunn, Myles Bentley and Renata Cugliari voted for the alternative recommendation, which was carried.
