Melton and Brimbank councils have launched their joint campaign to block toxic soil coming to the west.
Ravenhall landfill is one of the possible sites for toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel project to be stored and processed, but the two council’s have joined forces to prevent that happening.
Melton mayor Lara Carli said council opposed the proposal to dump the spoil in Ravenhall in the interests of nearby families and future investment and jobs opportunities for locals.
“Although we fully appreciate that the Westgate Tunnel Project will reduce congestion and increase productivity, Ravenhall is not an appropriate site for contaminated soil to be located,” Cr Carli said.
“The site is adjacent to established residential suburbs in a significant growth area. The neighbouring Rockbank / Mount Cottrell area has the second fastest growth rate in Victoria at 37 per cent, while Caroline Springs, Burnside, Albanvale, and Deer Park are home to well-established communities.
“It’s also a significant area for future industrial and commercial investment with a number of developments in the area set to deliver more than 25,000 much-needed jobs in the near future. In a period where growing jobs for Melbourne’s west has never been so important, it simply doesn’t make sense to dump contaminated soil in Ravenhall.
“Our priority is the wellbeing of nearby residents which includes protecting their liveability, ensuring their safety, and generating more local jobs.”
The councils have launched stopthesoil.com.au for residents to add their voice to the campaign, and have called on the government and project operators to ensure the community is consulted throughout the process.
Ewen McRae
