An Ethiopian Orthodox group says it is in limbo as it awaits a decision on the future of the Ravenhall landfill.
About two years ago, members of the St Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Church bought property at 5 Grace Way, Ravenhall, about four kilometres from the landfill site, with plans to build a bigger, “more traditional” church.
But church spokesman Haileluel Gebre-Selassie said there was a cloud hanging over the project as a planning panel considers Cleanaway’s application to expand the landfill.
Mr Gebre-Selassie toldStar Weekly plans to build a bigger church had come to a halt.
“We didn’t know about the plans for the landfill when we moved to that area,” Mr Gebre-Selassie said.
“We knew the landfill was going to finish in 18 years … now [Cleanaway] are applying not only for an extension of the landfill, but the period as well.
“That really scares us.
“The area would be congested and very dangerous for our members if the landfill is expanded … we are concerned about the impact of this landfill.”
Mr Gebre-Selassie said more than 1000 parishioners attended the church every week and parishioners were concerned about the potential health and odour impacts from the site.
He has urged the state government and the planning panel to consider their concerns.
Earlier this year, the state government called in Cleanaway’s planning application to expand the size, and extend the life, of the Ravenhall landfill.
The application, lodged with Melton council on February 29, proposed to expand the landfill operations by 311 hectares to the west and north-west of the existing landfill area, and to extend the permit’s life to 2069.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne said hearings started on Thursday, September 29, and would run for a month.
“The independent panel is jointly considering the planning permit application and the EPA works approval application,” Mr Wynne said.
“It will then make its recommendation to the minister for planning who will make his decision in due course.”
Cleanaway spokeswoman Alison Chalmer said the organisation would address all of the issues raised by the community during the panel hearings.
“We are comfortable with the details of our application and that the current and future operations do not pose [a] risk to the community,” Ms Chalmer said.
“All of these matters will be considered in detail by the independent panel.”
She said Cleanaway would soon be calling for nominations to reform the Melbourne Regional landfill community engagement group.
