Posts related to 'heatherdale road'

Maroondah Journal: ‘Get tough’ on noise breach

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

Alongside the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the relocation of North Ringwood Community House and the need for greater sustainability and accessibility, is the issue of ongoing noise violations that spoils the amenity of residents along and near Heatherdale Road.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the ongoing action against CMA Recycling (Victoria) over amenity and noise violations. Maroondah has applied for an enforcement order at VCAT to comply with council’s planning scheme and the EPA has confirmed that CMA is in breach of acceptable noise limits.

Incumbent councillor Alex Makin said he had put pressure on CMA with two successful prosecutions under the Health Act and making the EPA aware of the issues. “I certainly agree that the council needs greater powers to enforce compliance of CMA so I will be pushing the council to change the planning definition of CMA’s activities so we can enforce conditions on the site.”

While the article quoted a number of other candidates, all of whom wanted greater powers but failed to state how they would address the problems experienced by Heatherdale residents.

Over the past three years I been have making a difference for the Heatherdale community through the two successful prosecutions against amenity breaching and further action to hold rogue operators accountable for their actions.

Heatherdale Community Action Group - keeping the community informed

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 13th of August, 2008

The Heatherdale Community Action Group exists to represent the businesses and residents within Heatherdale, a locality that is divided between Maroondah and Whitehorse, due to Heatherdale Road being the municipal boundary.

Tonight’s meeting provided an opportunity to update the community on steps Maroondah Council and other agencies are taking to enhance the amenity of the area. In particular the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a Pollution Abatement Notice (PAN) to CMA Recycling (Victoria) in regard to breaches of noise limits.

The issuing of this notice means that the company is required to undertake an assessment of noise emitted from the site as well as implement measures to abate the noise so that further breaches do not occur. The notice issued by the EPA is available on their website.

It is encouraging that the EPA is taking this matter seriously and cooperating with both Whitehorse and Maroondah Councils. As the ward councillor, I will continue to ensure that I am making a difference to the Heatherdale community.

Heatherdale Community Action Group - discussing Heatherdale Reserve

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 9th of April, 2008

At tonight’s Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting I discussed the Heatherdale Reserve Landscape Plan, which is located in Vermont abutting Heatherdale Road and the Dandenong Creek.

Council has received a grant through the Dandenong Creek Living Links project and is currently undertaking consultation as to the facilities that the community would welcome at the reserve. I distributed a survey at the meeting to encourage feedback and it was great to see a strong interest from the Heatherdale community in regard to this reserve.

The funding received for the reserve will allow council to begin implementation of a final landscape plan and to incorporate the community feedback.

Tour of CMA Recycling

Published by Alex Makin on Saturday 23rd of February, 2008

This afternoon, Maroondah City Council was invited to tour the facilities of CMA Recycling (formerly Southern Rocycling), located along Heatherdale Road.

The tour was informative and while there is little doubt that much of the activities within CMA Recycling are pioneering the recycling industry, this should not come at the expense of the amenity for nearby residents. I trust that CMA Recycling, will begin to cooperate with residents to ensure that it can operate while being mindful of residential concerns.

First Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting for 2008

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 13th of February, 2008

Tonight I attended the first Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting for 2008. The action group represents the residents and businesses along Heatherdale Road, a community which is split between the two municipalities of Maroondah and Whitehorse.

The guest speaker for tonight’s meeting was Matthew Guy, the Shadow Minister for Planning. Matthew listened intently to the concerns of the community particularly in regard to the deficiencies that currently exist under State legislation. In particular there is a need to strengthen the Environmental Protection Authority, so that they act upon the noise, dust and amenity complaints that are being received.

The EPA has wider scope to investigate these matters than local councils. While Maroondah has sought two successful prosecutions in regard to noise issues, the EPA is able to investigate these matters and seek genuinely punitive measures. Unfortunately the current Helath Act prevents councils from fining a company more than a $1000 a day for matters that are declared a nuisance. The EPA does not have such limitations and must finally take an interest in this matter. It is unfortunate that when the EPA did act, it awarded Manningham Council the fines that were successfully levied against Southern Rocycling, despite the fact that Maroondah City Council had attempted to work closely with the EPA in regard to these amenity issues.

Planning scheme definitions were also discussed, since this is a matter that directly affects Heatherdale Road. Currently a waste transfer facility does not require a permit within an industrial zone and this hampers the enforcement of effective hours of operation. This is in contrast to a recycling facility, which does require a permit and hence allows councils to impose suitable conditions on these operations. The State planning scheme definitions must be reviewed so that councils are able to protect the amenity of the local community.

The State Government has stated it will review both the Health Act and the defintions defined in the Planning and Environment Act. Unfortunately both initiatives seem to have stalled, Matthew Guy as the Shadow Minister for Planning can assist in ensuring that the State Government honours this commitment.