Tests continue to reveal no Wonthaggi 'contamination'

A NEW controversy is emerging as independent environmental auditors, appointed by the Bass Coast Shire Council, and also those engaged by developers, turn up no sign of any contamination after testing hundreds of sites.

In a communique to more than 600 affected property owners in Wonthaggi’s North-East residential growth precinct, the shire has revealed that after 114 properties had their preliminary risk screen assessments (PRSA) completed by developers, no contamination was identified nor were any environmental audits called for.

Previously when assessments were carried out on 80 acres of proposed residential land in the town's Northern Views Estate, again no contamination was found.

It is expected that when the results come back from the assessments being undertaken on behalf of the shire, by independent environmental auditor PRENSA, the trend could continue.

This will likely prove the actions of the Victorian Planning Authority, in introducing these highly restrictive environmental audit overlays, especially on established houses and titled blocks at Wonthaggi, was a massive overkill.

Whether this leads to a class action by more than 600 impacted property only time will tell, but it appears to add strength to the case that the State Government should be picking up the tab for these tets, and not the ratepayers of the Bass Coast Shire.

Shire CEO Greg Box goes on to say that Council will soon write to the Planning Minister asking that all of the properties with completed PRSAs have their overlays removed from title.

Here’s the latest statement from Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Greg Box:

“It continues to be Council’s highest priority to ensure the interests of residents and landholders are represented in all our discussions regarding the Wonthaggi North-East Environmental Audit Overlay.

“Last week, all affected property owners were sent formal correspondence from Council. The letter is attached and contains detailed information about progress and next steps.

“Council has engaged PRENSA, an independent Environmental Auditor to complete PRSAs for affected properties. PRENSA was on site in Wonthaggi North-East yesterday and will continue their inspection work today and Thursday.

“In addition to the work being undertaken by Council, 114 properties have had their PRSAs completed by developers. There has been no requirement for an audit in any of the PRSAs completed so far.

“Once properties have a PRSA completed, the independent auditor forwards their reports to the EPA who then upload them on to their website. This process can take up to two weeks. Property owners will receive a notification from Council as the responsible authority once the obligations of the EAO have been fulfilled.

Council will write to the Planning Minister in the coming days seeking that all of the properties that have completed PRSAs be removed from the Overlay.

If you have any questions, please contact Council’s Planning team or visit our website for further information including Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) | Bass Coast Shire

Council will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available, regards, Greg Box, Chief Executive Officer.

See also letter to affected residents here.