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Hume Council ’kept in the dark’ about State Government Bulla plans for toxic soil

After more than two months with no answers from the State Government, fears continue to mount that toxic waste from the West Gate Tunnel Project is destined for Bulla. So, what does Hume Council plan to do next?

Asbestos, PFAS and other toxic waste was found in soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Asbestos, PFAS and other toxic waste was found in soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Hume Council is still in the dark about State Government plans to dump toxic waste from the West Gate Tunnel Project, more than two months after concerns were raised.

The privately-owned landfill in Bulla where the waste may be dumped backs onto Emu Creek and is a near an approved residential development in Sunbury.

In March, Hume Council sought immediate clarification from the government on whether it planned to dump toxic soil in the area. The request has fallen on deaf ears.

A flyer and a billboard from the CFMEU about toxic waste on the West Gate Tunnel project.
A flyer and a billboard from the CFMEU about toxic waste on the West Gate Tunnel project.

Hume Mayor Carly Moore said it was unfathomable the government would consider the dumping of waste near a growing residential area.

“Hume City Council is still is being kept in the dark on a proposal to store contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project at a privately-owned landfill in Bulla,” she said.

“It seems that the decision around the Hi- Quality site in Bulla is something that council has no control over.

“Given the increasing community speculation that contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project is coming to Bulla, council expects answers from the Victorian Government.

“We are concerned that council and our community have unanswered questions about the safety impacts of the soil – we need the Victorian Government to set the record straight on its plans.”

Cr Moore called on Planning Minister Richard Wynne to provide information in early March.

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Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull said a decision lied with Transurban and its builder CPB-John Holland, which have not reached a decision.

“High Quality are one of many sites that have tendered for work and I reiterate that no decision has been made by Transurban and its builder CPB-John Holland,” he said.

“Any decision by Transurban must go through a strict planning and environmental assessment process.”

The council has made clear any move to dispose of the toxic soil in Hume would be met by strong community and council opposition.

grace.mckinnonleyton@news.com.au

@GraceMcKinnonL

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/hume-council-kept-in-the-dark-about-state-government-bulla-plans-for-toxic-soil/news-story/fb629fcce3a40182ee9caa3c4b9ea7fc