Big land tussle

By Nicole Williams
THE turf war over a parcel of land in Bangholme is continuing, with Melbourne Water stepping into the ring.
The three square kilometre parcel of land in Bangholme, bounded by Eumemmerring Creek, Frankston-Dandenong Road, Eastlink and Harwood Road, was included in a council submission to Planning Minister Matthew Guy to fix Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) anomalies after it was moved by Councillor Peter Brown at a council meeting in November.
Residents are fighting against the submission and Cr Brown has refused to back away from the fight.
However Melbourne Water has now officially opposed any proposed changes because of an environmental buffer around the nearby Eastern Treatment Plant, which treated 330 million litres of sewage a day.
Charmaine Quick, manager of the plant, said Melbourne Water had presented a formal submission to the Urban Growth Boundary Anomalies Advisory Committee.
“We believe the proposed rezoning is not about rectifying an anomaly but a major policy change that is inconsistent with the long-standing and well-founded planning policy and controls,” she said.
“The proposed rezoning encroaches on the plant’s buffer area, which protects the community against impacts such as odour during abnormal weather conditions and non-routine plant operations.”
Bangholme Rural Landowners Association president and nearby resident Alan Hood said anyone who pushed ahead with the development within the buffer zone would be taking big risks in light of the objection.
“Anyone who pushed ahead would have a major public liability issue,” he said.
“Melbourne Water outlined in their objection that this was a hazard facility and if you have an escape of chlorine gas, they could organise 20 ambulances to the local residents, but if you have 2000 employees it wouldn’t be practical.”
“It would be very brave minister to forge ahead now.”
The committee is expected to advise the minister of their position within four weeks.
Mr Guy did not respond for comment.