As part of its ongoing engagement with the community, the City of Casey has written to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) on behalf of the community requesting the regulatory body ensure that local concerns are heard and addressed.
In a written submission to the EPA’s community consultation, mayor Cr Stefan Koomen stated how crucial it was for the EPA to ensure their community consultation regarding the Development Licence was genuine and responded to emerging issues identified by the local community.
“Council strongly believes that Veolia must engage directly with the local community to address any community concerns related to this site. This is crucial for the wellbeing of the local community,” Cr Koomen said.
“As a new Council group, we will do everything we can to support the voices of local people. The decision now lies with the EPA on a Development Licence, and we are asking them to carefully consider the impacts of this proposed facility.”
River Gum Ward Cr Lynette Pereira said: “This is about listening to the community, hearing their concerns and being serious about addressing this.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that the local community is protected as much as possible from the impacts of the landfill and proposed waste transfer station.”
In 2018, the Victorian Government identified the Hallam Road Landfill site as a Hub of State Significance in the Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan 2018 (SWWRIP).
The SWWRIP identifies the hub as having the capacity for enhanced resource recovery activities, reflecting the broader strategic planning goals for the region.
In a letter addressed to the EPA, Council requested that the regulator ensure Veolia as the operator of the existing landfill and the applicant of the proposed future waste transfer station, directly engaged with concerned residents and responded to their emerging issues about the facility.
“Council acknowledges the civil action currently being taken by the EPA in relation to Veolia’s management of the Hallam Road Landfill,” Cr Koomen said.
“While we recognise that these proceedings are separate from the EPA’s consideration of the Development Licence for the waste transfer station, we urge the EPA to closely monitor Veolia’s compliance with any conditions attached to the Development Licence, especially given the level of concern expressed by the community over both the waste transfer station and the landfill.”
In a separate letter addressed to the EPA, Council has requested an extension to the community consultation period to 31 January 2025 to allow for as many residents to have their say as possible.
“The City of Casey will continue to advocate on behalf of the community to ensure that local voices are heard and that any developments on this site are undertaken with the utmost consideration for the surrounding residents and their concerns,” Cr Koomen said.
