BASS MP Jordan Crugnale has wasted no time in raising the problems at Wonthaggi associated with the imposition of hundreds of highly-restrictive Environmental Audit Overlays in State Parliament this week.
In the last session before the Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down his 10th Budget, on Tuesday, May 7, with the Legislative Assembly filled ahead of the budget statement, Ms Crugnale asked a constituents’ question stressing how important it was that authorities addressed Wonthaggi’s alleged “contamination” issues as soon as possible.
“My question is to the Minister for Planning is what are the timelines for working with the residents impacted by the Wonthaggi north-east environmental audit overlay?
“This issue is causing concern for residents. Understandably residents are anxious to understand what impact this has on their properties and are keen to have information on any possible contamination of their properties.
“Residents covered by the EAOs have organised a community meeting to discuss these issues.
“They want to get the information. Many have contacted me directly. They are concerned, as I said, about the potential contamination of their properties.
“I have been pleased to hear that all agencies, including Bass Coast Shire Council, the Victorian Planning Authority and EPA, are working together to work with affected residents.
“I want to stress how important this issue is to my community. I am absolutely focused on getting this sorted and with urgency, and I thank the Minister and her department for working on it as well.”
Ms Crugnale didn’t get the opportunity to expand further but she told the Sentinel-Times that she would have liked to add the following:
“The Minister, her Department, Bass Coast Shire Council, the VPA, the EPA, and myself are all working together to resolve this issue, and I know residents are eager to understand when they can expect updates and next steps.”
