Tag: noise issues

Heatherdale Community Action Group: 2008 AGM

Posted on by alex

Tonight marked the second Annual General Meeting for the Heatherdale Community Action Group (HCAG). The group, aims to enhance and protect the amenity Heatherdale, a locality that is split between Maroondah and Whitehorse Councils.

One of the most pressing issues is the ongoing noise complaints within the Heatherdale area. In this regard Maroondah Council has led two successful prosecutions in regard to noise issues and the EPA has issued a pollution abatement notice to CMA Recycling (Victoria) and is also aware of air quality concerns.

The action group has also been successful in establishing an ongoing interest in the Heatherdale community and has held two barbeques at Heatherdale Station, including one to mark the 50th anniversary of the station’s opening. The group collaborated with Connex and Invicta Bus Services to organise the event, which included primary school students singing happy birthday to the station.

In addition Maroondah Council is undertaking works at the Heatherdale Reserve, near the Dandenong Creek, in consultation with members of HCAG. These works will help improve the Dandenong Creek Trail and provide additional walking and cycling paths for the community.

It is great to see the Heatherdale Community Action Group continuing strongly a year after its incorporation. The group has successfully engaged its community and helped achieve positive changes for Heatherdale.

First Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting for 2008

Posted on by alex

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.

Maroondah Journal: Recycling plant on notice for breach of public health

Posted on by alex

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the successful prosecution of Southern Rocycling brought forward by Maroondah City Council

Southern Rocycling, which due to excessive noise volumes was found to have breached the Health Act, was placed on an 18 month good behaviour bond as well as being ordered to pay $3000 to the Salvation Army’s EastCare Network and costs of $7978 to Maroondah City Council.

Cr Alex Makin said it was a win for the community.

“The 18-month bond will determine whether CMA is sincere in rebuilding the relationship with the community and council, and provide piece of mind for the community.”

CMA Corporation which purchased Southern Rocycling in July, must demonstrate that it is willing to cooperate with the community and will address resident concerns.

“The council has had two successful convictions against Southern Rocycling now.”

The two successful prosecutions has demonstrated that residents are rightfully concerned about their local amenity and the excessive noise volumes caused by the operations of Southern Rocycling.

It is hoped that CMA Corporation, as the new owners of Southern Rocycling, will work to establish goodwill with the community.

Southern Rocycling at Ringwood Magistrates' Court

Posted on by alex

Universal Metals Pty Ltd (trading as Southern Rocycling) fronted the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court today in relation to causing a nuisance contrary to section 42a of the Health Act.

The charge specifically related to an instance caused on the morning on the 12th of October 2006, where Maroondah City Council officers observed noise due to the operations of Southern Rocycling.

Southern Rocycling pleaded guilty to the charge and the Magistrate sentence the company to the following:

  • Bond of good behaviour for 18 months (which remains in effect until 15th of April 2009);
  • Payment of $7,978 of costs associated with the hearing;
  • Donation of $3000 to the Salvation Army’s EastCare Network;

This result marks the second successful prosecution of Southern Rocycling by Maroondah City Council and this clearly demonstrates that residents have had legitimate concerns in regard to the noise caused by the company.

Furthermore this verdict will test whether CMA Corporation (as the new owners of Southern Rocycling) is sincere in forming a constructive relationship with residents and council. As stated by the Magistrate, residents should expect a peaceful night’s sleep and it is imperative that CMA Corporation addresses these concerns.

If any residents encounter any further issues with Southern Rocycling please contact me on 0408 311 645 or email alex.makin@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Ongoing noise issues with Southern Rocycling

Posted on by alex

I have become aware that Southern Rocycling has been operating at an excessive noise volume over Friday night. I would like to thank residents who have contacted me and I have forwarded these issues through Council.

Maroondah Council is seeking a prosecution against Southern Rocycling for noise issues and this action will be heard at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday the 16th October.

If you are experiencing noise issues, please contact me on 0408 311 645 or via email alex.makin@maroondah.vic.gov.au so that I can forward you a logsheet that can document when the noise is occurring.

2007 AGM for Heatherdale Community Action Group

Posted on by alex

This evening marked the 2nd Annual General Meeting for the Heatherdale Community Action Group and provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes over the past year. The Action Group has continued to represent the Heatherdale Community and provide a voice for residents who face the unique situation of being split into two differing municipalities.

As the ward councillor in the Maroondah side of Heatherdale, I have appreciated the contact with the Heatherdale Community Action Group to achieve the joint objective of maintaining the amenity of the area. The ongoing noise issues from Southern Rocycling are being pursued and are scheduled to be heard in the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday the 3rd of October.

I would like to thank the Heatherdale Community for their ongoing interest in their local community and would like to congratulate the Heatherdale Community Action Group for their dedication to the community.

Maroondah Journal: Recycling company bought by industry giant

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The Maroondah Journal has reported on the recent acquisition of Southern Rocycling by CMA Corporation, a publicly listed company initially based in Western Australia.

Cr Alex Makin said he hoped CMA would be approachable in address resident and council concerns.

Maroondah Council is still pursuing the noise issues relating to Southern Rocycling, with the matter to be heard before the Magistrates’ Court on the 23rd of August.

It is hoped that CMA Corporation will resolve these ongoing and substantiated concerns trhough being approachable and willing to meet both Council and the Heatherdale Community.

Heatherdale Community Action Group Inc.

Posted on by alex

Tonight marked the inaugural meeting and election of office bearers for the Heatherdale Community Action Group.  The Heatherdale Community Action Group marks a new chapter for the former Heatherdale Road Action Group as it seeks to protect and enhance the liveability, amenity and environment in and around Heatherdale Road.

While the focus on community concerns stemming from Eastern Recycling and Southern Rocycling will continue the newly incorporated group will also provide a broader focus on issues relating to Heatherdale Road.

The Heatherdale Community Action Group must be congratulated for its incorporation and continuing its strong and active involvement in issues affecting the Heatherdale community.  I look forward to continuing to represent the concerns of the group within council.

Southern Rocycling is due to face the Magistrates’ Court on the 7th and 8th of September in regard to the excessive noise issues made by the movement of pig-iron steel back in January.