URGENT UPDATE: Moorabool is set to host a critical summit on 30 October to tackle the escalating issue of illegal dumping in the region. Mayors, chief executives, and senior staff from various councils will gather to discuss collaborative strategies following a contentious dispute with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regarding toxic waste cleanup near Bacchus Marsh.
The summit arises from Moorabool Council’s urgent need to address a significant dumping incident involving 1,250 dissolved acetylene cylinders that were improperly stored on council-managed land. The council incurred a hefty cost of $500,000 to remove the hazardous materials, which were discovered on 210 Lerderderg Park Road, Merrimu. Despite an EPA clean-up notice demanding that the waste be cleared by 25 July, the council sought relief from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which denied their request on 16 July, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Mayor Paul Tatchell expressed the council’s commitment to sharing their experiences and strategies with other councils facing similar challenges. “We are determined to find a collaborative approach to drive shared solutions for this pressing issue,” Tatchell stated. He highlighted the substantial financial burden illegal dumping places on local governments, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
The summit will not only spotlight the Moorabool experience but also serve as a platform for discussing effective measures other councils are implementing to combat this widespread problem. Tatchell reiterated the council’s ongoing efforts to curtail illegal dumping, particularly by builders and contractors operating in the area.
With the issue of illegal dumping affecting communities across the state, this summit aims to foster unity and drive actionable solutions that can be adopted statewide. As the impacts of illegal dumping continue to escalate, the collaboration between councils could be pivotal in safeguarding the environment and reducing cleanup costs.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops, and learn how local councils plan to address this ongoing environmental crisis.
