NO GARDENING: ‘New level of madness’ in Wonthaggi’s planning fiasco
IT GETS worse and worse. Now the Bass Coast Shire Council is advising embattled residents in Wonthaggi’s north east residential area not to do any gardening. Under the FAQ section of its Environmental Audit Overlay page, the shire recommends no...
IT GETS worse and worse. Now the Bass Coast Shire Council is advising embattled residents in Wonthaggi’s troubled north east residential area not to do any gardening.
Under the FAQ section of its Environmental Audit Overlay page, the shire recommends no gardening until the Preliminary Risk Screen Assessments (PRSA) have been conducted, with results expected “in early July”.
Those wanting to construct crossovers, to access their block from the street, will also not be able to get a permit until after the risk of contamination is addressed because such activities will disturb the soil. The same goes for digging a hole in the backyard.
Never mind that mining-style earthmoving equipment was used to prepare large parts of these former grazing properties for housing development.
Helen Povall, a committee member of the action group has advised supporters, via the Wonthaggi Residents Affected by the Environmental Audit Overlay Facebook page of the new guidelines around gardening in affected areas.
“With relation to gardening, Clause 62.02-1 of the Bass Coast Planning Scheme contains an exemption from needing a planning permit for ‘gardening’.
“However, the EAO states that the soil is not be disturbed to benefit from the exemption of not needing a PRSA undertaken.
“Given some gardening may require varying levels of soil disturbance it is advisable to await the results of the PRSA that Council is initiating prior to undertaking significant landscaping on your property if it is affected by the EAO.
“Council has appointed an independent Environmental Auditor to complete this work at no cost to individual property owners. The results are expected by early July 2024. Once this occurs, and the results confirm that the land does not need further audits, you do not need approval for landscaping but will still need a road occupation permit for works within a road reserve e.g. crossovers.”
Response from Facebook:
- So, no gardening that involves soil disturbance until July ?!
- Helen Povall: That's how I read it too.
- This is a whole new level of madness.
The Bass Coast Shire Council has been contacted for comment.
