Council staff and EPA to inspect Canterbury Hills site

Hume City Council staff are investigating a site in Sunbury following a pattern of heavy truck movements in recent weeks at 370 Riddell Rd.

The move follows complaints to council by Riddell Rd residents and public question time (PDF) on Monday 8 July when Melinda O’Neil alleged 200 trucks a day were arriving at the Canterbury Hills site “dumping spoil, soil, and clean fill under the guise of erosion management”.

In her written question, Ms O’Neil said: “These trucks are utilising various roads, including Gap Road, Dalrymple Road, Elizabeth Drive and Phillip Drive. Of particular concern is Phillip Drive, where there is a constant stream of dog and trailer trucks speeding through residential areas.”

She asked if council had approved the activity.

Rachel Dapiron, the council’s director city planning and places, said: “Officers of the planning investigations unit are aware of activity as outlined, and the matter is currently being investigated and action will be taken as appropriate.”

In a statement shared with Sunbury Life, the Environmental Protection Agency says it is investigating the claims and that the dumping of fill material is a council regulated activity.

Cllr Trevor Dance said: “Council officers have been onto the land this week to conduct an audit of the land use, and have another inspection set in place for next week, together with members of the Environmental Protection Agency. This is the latest of a number of site inspections undertaken.

“Council have instructed our legal advisors regarding formal action, which is underway.”