By Vanessa Chircop
DESPITE the EPA’s decision to grant a works approval to a contaminated soil treatment plant, residents have vowed to continue to fight against the site’s location in Altona.
When Star went to print, Innova Soil Technology had not yet submitted an application to Hobsons Bay City Council for a planning permit however some residents are concerned that even if the council refused the permit the decision will be overturned by VCAT.
With several council planning decisions being overturned by VCAT in recent times, concerned Altona resident Jason Price said he had no faith in the tribunal’s system.
Mr Price added he thought the case would more than likely end up at VCAT because the council had already rejected Innova’s application once before.
“I think the Minister for Planning should call this into his control due to the public concern and make a ruling,” he said.
As reported by Star last year, Innova took the council to VCAT and lost claiming they did not require a town planning permit because they were not a petrochemical industry.
Mr Price said the Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to grant a works approval to the company was extremely disappointing.
“I felt angry and frustrated that once again the community concerns were not considered fully by the EPA, given the number of community people and the amount of interest and strong opposition against this proposal.”
