Former Sunshine Kealba quarry to become landfill after VCAT approves plan

YOUR SAY: THE former Sunshine Kealba quarry will be turned into a landfill after the controversial proposal was given the green light by VCAT.

Barro quarry

THE former Sunshine Kealba quarry will be turned into a landfill after the controversial proposal was given the green light by the state's planning tribunal.

Brimbank Council and the Barro Group returned to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on December 3 where the matter was heard for the second time over nine days.

The legal fight started in August 2010, when Barro applied for a permit to turn 20ha of land into landfill.

The proposal received more than 660 objections and was refused by the council and VCAT.

But in September last year the Supreme Court ordered the matter be heard again.

After months of deliberation, the VCAT decision was handed down last night.

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VCAT deputy president Helen Gibson and member Ian Potts stated the tribunal understood landfills were not popular with residents.

"People become fearful and very emotional about the potential risks they present to health and amenity," the tribunal said.

"In all other respects, we are satisfied that from a strategic and policy perspective, this site is suitable for use for a solid inert waste landfill.

"This is notwithstanding a buffer distance that will be less than 200m from any buildings and structures.

"We are satisfied that this landfill will provide a net community benefit and will be a sustainable development that will benefit present generations by providing a waste disposal facility and future generations by the creation of a land form that can be used for recreation and open space."

Residents Against Sunshine Kealba Quarry Inc (RASKQI) spokeswoman Marilyn Canet said she was "absolutely devastated" by the decision.

"I've been in touch with several residents, who are furious and bitterly disappointed," she said.

The council has long maintained its refusal, on the grounds the proposal would "detrimentally affect the surrounding area".

*For further reports, see Tuesday's Brimbank Leader.