Council calls for toxic tip audit

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong Council will call for a thorough and independent audit of the Lyndhurst tip’s operations as part of its official position on the tip receiving toxic waste.
It will also form a reference group to tackle the prospect of another 14 years of toxic waste dumping at the tip.
A report to the council on Monday night from Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie outlining the council’s position against toxic waste receipts at the Lyndhurst tip also calls on the State Government to be more accountable in the matter.
Action group Residents Against Toxic Waste In The South East (RATWISE) has applauded the council’s position.
But RATWISE spokeswoman Thelma Wakelam said Greater Dandenong would need the added support of neighbouring Casey City council if it was to maintain its stance over time.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of Mr Bennie’s report.
Among its recommendations, the report pins responsibility of the tip on the State Government, demanding that “all responsibilities for planning and technical enforcement are accepted by the State and that no expectation exists for council to have any ongoing enforcement role in relation to Lyndhurst landfill site”.
The council’s position may also give birth to the Lyndhurst Reference Panel, a collective group made up of representatives from Greater Dandenong and Casey councils and resident groups that will advocate for the community on tip-related issues.
The report says the council disagrees with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s recent decision to amend a planning permit.
The decision has allowed the Lyndhurst tip to continue receiving toxic waste.
Ms Wakelam said RATWISE had sent an email to the council congratulating it on its stance.
“We very pleased obviously,” she said. “But it’s whether or not the council is able to maintain that position.
“It’s a terrific position but even they will need support, and hopefully it will come via joining with Casey council and the two managing to work together to encourage the State Government to do the right thing.”
Ms Wakelam said media exposure had steeled RATWISE members to continue their battle against toxic waste at Lyndhurst despite the long road ahead.