Compost ‘dumped’ on VCAT

By Kath Gannaway
A CONFERENCE held at Coldstream last week heard that both the Environment Protection Authority and the Shire of Yarra Ranges now have matters before VCAT in relation to the future operation of the compost facility at Coldstream.
Australian Native Landscapes Pty Ltd has applied to the EPA for a licence to operate the facility, which has been dogged by community opposition since composting started in 2006.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has applied to VCAT for an order to stop all operations on the site.
ANL has applied to VCAT to rule on its licence application, saying the EPA has failed to make a determination.
The EPA is proceeding with its decision and its commitment to consult with the community in considering the ANL licence application. VCAT will have access to EPA’s decision.
The conference, attended by more than 60 people on Monday night at the Coldstream Community Centre, was part of that consultation process.
Conference chairman Peter Davies’ report on the more than 120 written submissions and presentations made by stakeholders at the meeting will be taken into account in the EPA’s final decision.
Mr Davies said while odour was the main issue raised by objectors, other concerns included health problems, restriction of outside activities and devaluation of property.
“A large number of people, about 60, were concerned about not being able to open their windows due to the odour,” Mr Davies said.
He said between eight to 10 submissions were supportive of the compost facility.
Tony Farriciello, manager of ANL’s Coldstream plant, detailed new technology which he said would achieve additional odour reduction and improve the composting process.
The aerated system would be extended to the maturation process, he said and added the new system would reduce the potential for odour emissions due to a reduction in the turning of the compost.
A number of objectors however called for the EPA to reject the licence application saying the new technology improvements put in place last year had not worked and made impassioned pleas, detailing the impact the odour had had on their lives.
The EPA has confirmed that 69 complaints had been received since the beginning of the year.
James Lamour-Reid, Shire of Yarra Ranges’ planning director, also called on the EPA to reject the licence saying ANL’s proposed solutions were low-tech. and low cost and that they had not demonstrated they could operate the facility without impacting on the community.
Cr Jeanette McRae said while there had been a lot of talk about environmental and economic outcomes, the social impacts had not been factored in.
“I believe the residential buffer zones are inadequate and do not believe this facility can meet requirements this community would be happy with.”
VCAT will hold a directions hearing tomorrow regarding the EPA licence application and on 7 April in relation to the shire’s applications.