Stink issue to be raised at meeting

THE stink over a Coldstream compost facility continues with a public conference to be held next week.

A works approval application for the Quarry Rd composting facility is under consideration by Environment Protection Authority Victoria who will host the public conference in Lilydale on Monday, March 15.

In their submission to the EPA, site owners Australian Native Landscapes Pty Ltd (ANL) said the proposed works would result in a ‘‘substantial reduction in odorous emissions’’.

Local resident and opponent of the facility Tony King said life for the residents of the surrounding suburbs was hell.
‘‘It is my opinion that nothing can be done on the present site that will stop the stink,’’ Mr King said.

‘‘You can’t plan for barbecues or any normal family life and visitors make excuses to leave early even when you are indoors with the doors and windows closed,’’ he said.

Mr King said he wanted the facility moved to a remote location.

The compost facility has been embroiled in legal wrangles with The Shire of Yarra Ranges and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for nearly five years and residents in Lilydale and Coldstream have called for its closure since it opened in 2006.

ANL has contracts with the cities of Manningham, Knox, Whitehorse and the Shire of Yarra Ranges to process kerbside collected green waste into compost. EPA spokeswoman Ruth Ward said people who made submissions would be invited to attend the conference. Ms Ward said members of the public who had not made a submission could attend the conference as an observer.

REFERENCE: Lilydale Leader
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