Stink may take a holiday, too

By Melissa Meehan
AFTER 16 long months of debate, members from the Stink Abatement Action Group (SAAG), Australian Native Landscapes Coldstream (ANL), residents, and representatives from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Shire of Yarra Ranges will meet to discuss whether the compost plant will close over the Christmas period.
Mayor Tim Heenan said he anticipated the meeting would put an end to residents’ fears that the lingering stench of compost would continue over Christmas, hopeful that ANL would use the meeting to announce their decision to close between Christmas and the New Year.
“I would encourage ANL to make the decision to close over Christmas. Throughout the year many residents are forced to eat inside and are embarrased to have vistors because of the stink from the compost,” Cr Heenan said.
“Christmas should be a time that they can have visitors and enjoy the summer weather outdoors.”
Cr Heenan said that last year ANL agreed to a similar request made by the council, allowing trucks to dump material at the site, but ceasing the processing element of the composting cycle and that he was hoping for a simlar outcome from the meeting.
“Last year, we came to an agreement that saw ANL stop the composting component over Christmas, it was interesting to notice that the smell seemed to go away,” Cr Heenan said.
“I just want the locals to be able to enjoy Christmas without the stench they have been living with for the past 16 months.”
Since its induction into the community, the shire and EPA have received numerous odour complaints concerning the site.
ANL Coldstream manager Tony Farriciello said that the company was putting together a proposal that he hoped would be acceptable for both council and residents.
“We are trying very hard to do the best we can for ourselves, residents and council,” Mr Farriciello said.
“Last year we did everything asked of us, and we hope that we can come to an understanding with all parties involved.”