By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
HEALTH Minister David Davis did not respond to questions about Lyndhurst toxic waste dump after helping to launch a healthy lifestyle program only 200 metres from the site.
The Healthy Together Greater Dandenong program — a collaboration of federal, state and local governments — tackles lifestyle issues that cause preventable disease in the community.
Its launch was hosted at A&L Windows, which has reduced workplace injury through an on-site exercise program — but also has a panoramic view of the towering landfill.
The site picks up a smell from the tip when there’s a westerly wind.
A&L Windows operations general manager Glenn Gambetta said the company had looked into the possible health impacts “extensively”.
“Our workers haven’t had a problem with it at all,” he said. “They’d let us know if there was. We don’t envisage any issues with it.”
Visitors at the launch commented on the appealing surrounds, primarily the conservation zone to the north, forested with its own babbling brook.
Greater Dandenong Council chief executive John Bennie said at the launch he could imagine a business’s walking club members enjoying strolls among the area’s conservation zone and the Pellicano-built industrial estate.
Despite community protests, the state government has refused to close the hazardous waste tip in the “short term”.
Instead, it approved a hazardous soil treatment plant at the site.
Mr Davis’ spokeswoman did not respond to the Journal’s questions about health concerns at the tip.
Greater Dandenong’s city, planning and amenity director Jody Bosman affirmed the council’s “total” opposition against “prescribed industrial waste” at the landfill.
“[The council] will continue to advocate for, and take responsible, practical steps towards, the earliest closure of the Lyndhurst landfill.”
Residents Against Toxic Waste in the South East spokeswoman Thelma Wakelam said it was “laughable if it wasn’t so serious” that a health initiative was launched next to the controversial site.
She said there was not a buffer zone to protect workers in National Drive, some of whose factories back onto the landfill’s fence.
“Even if there was a buffer zone, that is designed for residents, not for those who work 40 hours a day next to the site. Workplaces aren’t considered as a ‘sensitive use’.”
The Healthy Together program employs 13 staff in Greater Dandenong, encouraging healthy initiatives at schools, early childhood centres and workplaces.
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