By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM’S Federal and State representatives have weighed into the “tip mountain” saga, calling on the council to take resident’s concerns into consideration.
Residents have been making their voices heard in in regards to the Refuse Disposal Facility (RDF), which recently moved above ground.
Wyndham Council will soon lodge a works approval with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the current height of the above ground rubbish from 25 metres to 45 metres.
Former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said she was watching the issue closely.
“A number of concerned residents have raised this matter with me. As always, I am very interested in any issue which has the potential to impact the liveability, visual amenity and public image of our community,” Ms Gillard said.
Member for Tarneit, Tim Pallas, was more critical in his assessment of the situation.
“Wyndham Council must take into consideration the local community’s serious concerns about the impact that the above ground landfill at West Road will have on the environment and amenity in Wyndham,” Mr Pallas said.
“The Council has failed to give an adequate justification for the necessity of the proposed height of the West Road landfill. I urge the council to undertake a review of its strategy regarding West Road landfill, taking community views into account.”
Wyndham Council’s Acting CEO, Kelly Grigsby, said that moving the waste could potentially cause a “major odour issue”.
“The use of an above ground landfill is the preferred method of waste disposal, according the EPA and State Government regulations as it requires less land and poses less risk to the environment,” Ms Grigsby said.
“It is important to note that a Planning Permit is not required to determine the height of the RDF – this is something that can only be approved by the EPA. There is currently a reference on Council’s Planning Permit for use of the site which indicates a maximum height of 100 metres above ground level. In recognition of the concern expressed by residents, Wyndham Council will be applying to VCAT to remove this reference from the Planning Permit.”
