By Oliver Lees
Sunbury residents plan to march to show their frustration, following the approval of a planning scheme amendment which could allow the transfer of contaminated soil to a site in Bulla.
As reported by Star Weekly, Hi-Quality’s planning scheme amendment was approved by the state government on March 29, paving the way for soil from the West Gate Tunnel project to be taken to the Sunbury Road site.
The approval is the latest twist in what has been an ongoing issue for months, with residents voicing their concerns over the lack of community consultation from Hi-Quality and the state Planning Minister Richard Wynne.
The march will take place at noon on Sunday, May 2 starting at the Village Green in Sunbury.
Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook page administrator Chris O’Neill said the protest is about making a statement.
“Our message is the same as it has always been,” he said.
“We don’t want this happening here in Sunbury.
“We’re calling on everyone to walk with us.”
Mr O’Neill said the details of the protest, including the intended route, are still being worked out.
Hume council and Sunbury MP Josh Bull have voiced their disapproval following the approval of the planning scheme amendment.
In a statement last week, Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said the council stands with the community’s concerns for their health, the environment and traffic congestion.
“Council is now considering the implications of this decision and the reasons the Victorian government felt it appropriate to side step the usual process and approve the amendment without public consultation and independent review.”
