A show of people-power led by the Toxic Odour Action Group (TOAG) may mean residents of the Melbourne suburb of Clayton will be able to breathe more easily, following improvements to landfill sites by one of the main waste management operators in the area.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) held a meeting last week with hundreds of residents from Clayton, Clarinda and Dingley Village, to discuss progress on finding solutions for the continuing problem of the appalling and allegedly toxic odours caused by nearby landfill sites.
At the meeting, residents heard from the EPA, the City of Kingston and landfill operators about what action is being and will be taken to reduce the odours that for months have blighted the lives of people living close to waste management sites. Last month, state member for Clayton Hong Lim MP in a speech to the Victorian Parliament, asked the Victorian Government’s Minister for Environment and Climate to direct the EPA to revoke the licences of landfill operators operating in the affected area. Representatives of Transpacific Industries Group (TPI), who have two active landfill sites in the area, flew from Brisbane to attend last week’s community forum.
Bill Pontikis, founder of the Toxic Odour Action Group, who have campaigned for action on behalf of the communities involved, told Neos Kosmos that residents continue to be affected by the problem, but were relieved to hear that progress is being made, and that one operator at least, had begun putting in place solutions. “Other operators haven’t yet put down strategic plans. Now we’re going to sit down with them to resolve the problems. It’s going to need a combined effort by all the operators – to do the right thing.” Other operators include the Green Waste processing company Enviromix, and Clayton Regional Tip, which is operated by five local councils. TPI recently appointed Community Liaison Officer Olga Ghiri to lead consultations between the company and communities that live near the landfill sites.
Ghiri says that Transpacific is pulling out all the stops to minimise the problem for the landfill sites which they operate. “We’re doing a range of remediation work, putting extra technical infrastructure in place, we monitor and investigate complaints,” but admits that a holistic approach, embraced by all the operators involved, is the way forward for creating a lasting solutions. It could be proven scientifically that we’re not the source of the problem. “At the end of the day, if the other industry bodies in the area aren’t doing their bit, then residents may not notice a reduction in the odours.” Ghiri added that TPI had begun instigating meetings with other operators to encourage a united approach. An Open Day will take place on Saturday 30 July between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm at TPI’s new Community Information Centre on Victory Road, Clarinda, to give local people a chance to find out more about how TPI manages their sites and the steps being taken to tackle odour problems. Site tours will also be available.
For those wishing to undertake a site tour call (03) 9552 1716 or email olga.ghiri@transpac.com.au. TPI has established a 24/7 hotline for anyone who wishes to raise issues with the company on 1800 213753.