By YASEMIN TALAT
POLITICIANS have joined forces with residents to fight against the growing waste mountain in Werribee.
At a demonstration held last weekend, Andrew Elsbury, Colleen Hartland, Tim Pallas and Joanne Ryan all signed the petition which urged Wyndham City Council to refrain from continuing to increase the height of the landfill.
The rally, which was called by the Western Environment Centre and its members, saw more than 80 protestors come together in opposition of the growth of the Refuse Disposal Facility.
Western Region Environment Centre director, Harry van Moorst, said the rally was called for many reasons.
“It was a protest against council’s continued efforts to build a waste mountain rather than keep the waste at ground level as it’s meant to be,” Mr van Moorst said.
“And to show people just how high 100 metres really is.”
Mr van Moorst said the group had planned to fly several balloons at heights of 45 metres and 100m to show the community the intended height of the landfill.
He said the demonstration showed a unity between politicians and residents.
“The most important thing was all four of the state and federal politicians that are involved in this particular electorate were present,” Mr van Moorst said.
“It’s the first time all four of them stood together and signed a petition against this waste mountain,” he said.
“There is real unity, and that’s what we are finding all around Wyndham and even outside of Wyndham.”
“I think it was extremely important and historical occasion where you get all four politicians from the three major parties standing together signing a petition against something the community is also clearly against,” he said.
Mr van Moorst said the landfill site had already reached 25 metres.
“It’s much higher than people realise,” Mr van Moorst said.
“It’s very obvious and very smelly.”
Wyndham CEO Kerry Thompson said Wyndham City Council had commenced planning for an RDF community reference group and are working with the community to resolve their concerns.
“At this point in time, Wyndham City is assessing the need for an increase in capacity at the site and as part of that process we are looking at a range of options,” Ms Thompson said.
“Increasing the height of the landfill is just one of range of strategies being considered,” she said.
“It is important to note that council has no plans to increase the height of the landfill to 100 metres above ground,” she said.
The group will join the council at a VCAT hearing about the future of the landfill at a date yet to be fixed.
