By Vanessa Chircop
THE Commonwealth Ombudsman is believed to be investigating complaints about the Spotswood Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
As reported first by Star in June last year, residents claim barking dogs on the site are making life in the Hobsons Bay suburb unbearable.
The facility, located on Craig St, processes animals brought in from overseas to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country.
In June, Hobsons Bay City Council received a petition with 71 signatures in relation to the noise with one resident, who did not wish to be named, telling Star the barking was constant “torture”.
“During peak time there can be up to 150 dogs in the facility and they can be set off by anything … it’s absolutely torturous at the worst of times and very unpleasant at the best.”
Despite being located on private land, AQIS is operated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – rendering the council powerless.
The land was sold by the Commonwealth in 2001 to private owners but has been leased back to the Government every year since.
Hobsons Bay Director Business and Finance Glenn O’Sullivan previously told Star the likelihood of successfully prosecuting a Commonwealth agency was remote, with the council having no authority over the Commonwealth.
But he admitted the location of the site was unusual.
“It is an unusual situation to have a Commonwealth-run facility on private land and presents a number of complex issues,” he said.
After attempting to take the matter to the council, VCAT and the Victorian Ombudsman residents have now reported the matter to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Despite having a file on the matter, a spokesperson for the Commonwealth Ombudsman confirmed that a complaint had been received about the facility.
One resident said he hoped the matter would finally be resolved. “I hope the Ombudsman finds AQIS has to conform to the Domestic Animals Act regarding noise,” the resident, who did not wish to be named, told Star.
