By NICOLE VALICEK
THERE will be no inquiry into the development around major hazard facilities after it was knocked back in State Parliament last week.
Member for Williamstown, Wade Noonan, backed moves by State Labor in September to initiate a Parliamentary Inquiry.
The inquiry would have examined the appropriateness of approving new residential developments within close proximity to major hazard facilities.
“The Liberals have ignored both the evidence and substantial community support for the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry to consider safe buffer distances around major hazard facilities,” Mr Noonan told Star after the decision last Thursday.
Hobsons Bay is home to eight of the state’s 45 major hazard facilities (MHFs) which are all in close proximity to residential areas.
“It saddens me to say, but Denis Napthine has clearly demonstrated that he is willing to play politics with community safety – and that’s a very dangerous thing to do,” Mr Noonan said.
Hobsons Bay City Council strongly supported the inquiry and asked for an urgent risk assessment.
“There is no clear State Government planning policy around MHF in Victoria,” it stated.
Earlier this year, Mobil raised concern regarding residential development near MHF’s like its Point Gellibrand tank farm that supplies half of Victoria’s fuel.
Hundreds of new dwellings are currently planned on the Port Phillip Woollen Mill development site that is situated near the tank farm.
“In the case of the woollen mills development in Williamstown, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Napthine Government will do whatever it takes to ensure a high rise, high density monstrosity is built at that site,” Mr Noonan said.
The need for buffers for residential and other developments was increased since the 2005 explosion at a major hazard facility in Buncefiel, UK.
More than 40 people were injured, some seriously, thousands of people were evacuated and property damage was recorded several kilometres from the scene.
The motion was put to the Victorian Legislative Council and defeated 20 votes to 18 on Wednesday 30 October.
Star contacted the Minister for Planning, Mathew Guy, but he did not respond before deadline.
