By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
CITY of Greater Dandenong has backed mayor Jim Memeti’s motion to pressure the state government to close Lyndhurst toxic waste dump at the “earliest possible date”.
The council will call on the government to develop an alternative strategy to using the site because of reduced demand for the dump.
Demand had dropped due to “high technology soil treatment facilities” and landfill levies leading to waste being redirected from landfills, according to Cr Memeti’s motion.
The council will also seek the positions of major parties and Carrum electorate candidates ahead of November’s state election.
“All we want to know as a community is where they stand,” Cr Memeti told Monday’s council meeting.
Last month, Isaacs federal Labor MP Mark Dreyfus called for the tip’s closure after a fire at the landfill sparked warnings for residents in surrounding suburbs to stay indoors for several hours.
The state ALP and Liberal-National Coalition parties have supported the toxic waste dump.
Labor allowed grades B and C toxic waste to be dumped there when in government in 2007; the Liberals not only retained the site but added grade A hazardous soils in the mix in 2011.
An ALP opposition spokesman last month said: “Denis Napthine has failed to outline his plans for Taylors Road Landfill or put in place emergency management plans to ensure nearby residents and businesses are protected from future events similar to those that occurred last Sunday.
“Denis Napthine needs to be honest with the people of Lyndhurst and explain what his plans are for the site.”
A spokeswoman for Environment Minister Ryan Smith last month did not respond to questions about the landfill’s future.
