The state government has ‘called in’ Cleanaway’s planning application to expand the size and extend the life of the Ravenhall tip.
The application, lodged with Melton council on February 29, proposed expanding the landfill by 311 hectares to the west and northwest of the existing site … and extending its permit until 2069.
Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz said Planning Minister Richard Wynne will oversee the application process.
She said the application would now go to an independent planning panel which would consider submissions and hold public hearings before preparing a report for Mr Wynne, who will make the final decision.
“People living around the landfill want certainty and they want to be able to attend hearings and make submissions, which the Labor government is delivering as promised,” Ms Kairouz said.
MARLENE KAIROUZ
“This is the most appropriate way forward to ensure a rigorous and independent process – one that involves the local community.
“The panel members will be experts and able to assess all aspects of what is a very complex issue.”
Ms Kairouz said she would continue to work with residents and provide regular updates about the process.
Stop the Tip campaigner Marion Martin said the group was pleased the state government was fulfilling its 2014 election promise to take over the application. But she said the hard work starts now.
“We just hope that, when this goes to the panel, everybody gets the opportunity to put in a submission, which is genuinely considered, and it doesn’t end up being rubber-stamped.”
Ms Martin said the group would organise workshops to help people compose their submissions and have their say.
Cleanaway state general manager Clete Elms said the decision by the state government to call in the application was expected, and an important part of the process.
“Cleanaway is responsive to any concerns the local community might have and we will work with the independent panel to ensure any questions about our application are answered,” Mr Elms said.
Click here to view the application.
