Residents of Williamstown North’s Techno Park Drive still in the dark over Hobsons Bay Council’s mass evictions motive

New details about the chain of events which prompted Hobsons Bay to issue a mass eviction to a group of beleaguered residents emerge as mayor hints at retirement.

The motive behind a council’s decision to send “cold hearted” eviction notices to vulnerable residents of an industrial estate remains unclear, as the mayor at the heart of the saga hints at retirement.

Residents of Techno Park, a former refugee and migrant estate, were shocked when they received a mass eviction notice from Hobsons Bay Council in May which sought to enforce decades-old zoning laws.

However, new information from oil and gas giant Mobil about its long-term plans for the South Crude Tank Farm at Williamstown North contradicts previous statements by the council.

Techno Park Estate residents in Williamstown North claim to still be in the dark over the Hobsons Bay City Council's decision to send mass eviction notices. Picture: Gianna Rizzo

At a community session last week, attendees claim a Mobil representative said the company would decommission the tanks next year before selling the land. The council previously claimed Mobil would convert the farm to petrol storage.

The Altona Refinery was shut down in February 2021 and converted to a functioning fuel terminal in August that year.

The Age reported that the tanks had sat empty for years, however, Mobil said that was incorrect and they were currently in use to support operations.

A Mobil spokesman said the company was still planning for what parts of the refinery would be used in future operations and what land may become available for alternate use.

In May, the council claimed WorkSafe advised that properties were being unlawfully lived in, however, WorkSafe denied this and said the council notified them following a reported noise complaint.

In August, Mayor Tony Briffa said the council was “in fact” contacted by Mobil, advising the EPA had contacted the company about odour complaints from Techno Park residents, Mobil has now verified this.

“We did not lodge any complaint, nor request Council action, we simply sought to ensure we were informed to go into our regulatory discussions,” a Mobil spokesman said.

An EPA spokesman said an odour complaint was made by a reported Techno Park resident in September 2022.

“Irrespective of the agency which notified of a breach ... Council has an obligation to investigate,” Ms Briffa said.

Techno Park residents continue to fight and have requested the council withdraws the eviction notices. Picture: Gianna Rizzo

Ms Briffa previously stated residents were in a “blast zone” and did not want to see anyone hurt, which resident Lara Week claimed was “inflammatory” and “purposefully misleading” given the tanks are empty.

Ms Briffa previously said a rezoning or overlay for the approximate 100 renters and owner-occupiers was unlikely and was a matter for the state government.

The Herald Sun can reveal that the council’s sustainable communities director, Penelope Winslade, resigned earlier this month after almost five years for a federal government role.

Ms Winslade was criticised during the council’s July meeting when responding to questions from attendees after claiming turning a blind eye to enforcement was not something the council historically did.

The Herald Sun can also reveal recent social media comments indicate the mayor would not recontest next year’s election.

“I’m almost glad I’ll be retiring from council and won’t be seeking re-election,” Ms Briffa said.

It comes as the council defended awarding a pay rise to chief executive Aaron van Egmond, up to $390,000, after a six month absence.