By Violet Li
The assessment for the Development Licence of the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station has been paused after a request for more information.
According to a spokesperson of the assessment body Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, there was a high level of public interest in the application.
The state’s environment watchdog received 751 submissions and spoke to almost 100 people across three information sessions after almost five weeks of community consultation last year.
On 24 January 2025, EPA provided redacted copies of the submissions to the applicant, Veolia, asking them to review and provide a response.
“Once we receive their response, it will be published on Engage Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“It is common practice for the EPA to seek more information during a development license process.
“While we wait for Veolia’s response, the application’s assessment is paused.”
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association welcomed the decision by EPA Victoria.
“We believe the waste transfer station should not proceed in its current location and is not in the long-term interests, health, and safety of the local community,” vice president Anthony Tassone said.
“Given the 700 plus submissions to the public consultation of the proposed waste transfer station, the appalling compliance record of Veolia including the unprecedented judgement in the Supreme Court of Victoria of breach of General Environmental Duty and the fact that EPA Victoria themselves are in the middle of civil proceedings in the Court with Veolia cast significant doubts on whether they’re fit and proper to operate the proposed waste transfer station so close to people’s homes.
“EPA Victoria has a duty to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of pollution and waste on Victorians and their environment.
“All Victorians have the basic right to clean, fresh air without the worry of harmful health impacts from having a waste transfer station barely 250 metre away from their homes that does not meet the EPA’s own distance separation guidelines – which are in place for a reason.”
Mr Tassone said CRRA was planning a public community forum with Lynbrook Residents Association and Hampton Park Progress Association in the coming months prior to any EPA conference to ensure residents are given the opportunity to hear more about the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station.
Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) also welcomed the EPA’s decision to pause the assessment.
“While this pause is a step forward, the fight is not over. LRA remains firmly opposed,” a spokesperson said.
“LRA urges the EPA to reject this proposal outright. The community has spoken. We will not back down.”
EPA Victoria has confirmed it will hold a consultation conference for the assessment of the Development Licence. The date has yet to be pinned down.
