Residents of the Canterbury Hills estate have won a reprieve from months of heavy truck traffic, after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ordered an immediate stop to earth dumping activity at 370 Riddell Rd.
The decision follows growing community anger over hundreds of 40-tonne trucks using the quiet Canterbury Hills estate to access the site, which is located on farmland bordering homes.
Hume City Council said it welcomed the outcome of the Thursday 16 October VCAT hearing, which it initiated after investigating residents’ complaints.
“We’ve been investigating concerns raised about this site for some time,” a council spokesperson said. “Based on what we found, we asked VCAT to step in.
“We’re happy that they’ve now ordered that the activity at 370 Riddell Rd must cease immediately. This should give some comfort to the residents as it will mean an immediate stop of trucks in the area.”
VCAT’s order means no further work can take place on the land until proper permits are sought and approved by council. Even then, council has indicated any approval would come with “stringent conditions”.
“If works commence on the land without approval the matter will return to VCAT,” the spokesperson said.
Council said it would continue monitoring the site and take further action if necessary.
“We want to reassure our community that we’re committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of Canterbury Avenue residents.”
The stop order marks a significant win for residents who have staged months of protests against the truck movements through their estate.
Previous reports on this issue here.
