By CASEY NEILL
Help to close the hazardous waste landfill in Dandenong South is among Greater Dandenong Council’s requests to federal election candidates.
It released an advocacy document ahead of the Saturday 2 July poll that also included improved education and employment outcomes for young people, improved public transport for Dandenong South, gambling reform and support for the municipality’s business, manufacturing and auto industries.
The council is also asking for funding to support developing the Springvale Community and Learning Hub, the Dandenong South Inland Port and programs that address alcohol abuse and family violence.
It also called for indexation of Federal Government financial assistance grants to be reinstated in 2017-18.
The Federal Government each year provides a financial assistance grant to state governments for allocation to councils.
It was traditionally indexed to take population growth and inflation forecasts into account but in 2013 the Federal Government announced a three-year freeze on growth.
This year’s rate-capping restricted Greater Dandenong Council’s ability to meet the funding shortfall.
The council said the situation was placing considerable pressure on service delivery, asset renewal and delivering new infrastructure.
Residents have been pushing to close the contaminated waste dump on Taylors Road, known as the Lyndhurst Landfill, for more than 20 years.
It was established in a former sand quarry in 1990 and in 1992 was extended into the neighbouring site, creating about 54 hectares for waste disposal.
It’s the only licensed Prescribed Industrial Waste facility in Victoria and is relatively close to residential areas.
The council’s position is that the site poses an unacceptable risk to residents and workers, an alternative site needs to be found, and a closure date for Lyndhurst needs to be set.
It’s calling on federal candidates to advocate for state-wide policy because it is concerned that without a policy the landfill’s life might continue to be extended.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Heang Tak said the council’s role in the south-east’s growth and success had never been more important.
He said the council was committed to its community but needed support from the Federal Government to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.
“Significant investment in recent years has helped to establish our city as a region of national significance,” Cr Tak said.
“We recognise Greater Dandenong’s role in providing significant business, transport, employment and educational infrastructure for Melbourne’s south-east.
“With a projected population growth of 26 per cent by 2030 our role will become even more important in the years to come.”
