The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has issued new enforcement orders over alleged unlawful earthworks at properties on Riddell Rd, Sunbury, following action taken by Hume City Council.
The orders, announced today by council, apply to 370A Riddell Rd and 430 Riddell Rd, and follow an earlier enforcement order issued by VCAT relating to earthworks at 370 Riddell Rd.
Council said it sought these additional orders because the works carried out at the properties “did not follow the Hume Planning Scheme”, which outlines planning controls intended to protect the environment and community.
What the enforcement orders require
Under the VCAT-issued orders, no further earthworks or placement of fill can occur at any of the three Riddell Rd sites unless:
- Council approves detailed plans explaining the purpose and method of the works, or
- A planning permit is granted
Council said this ensures that any future works must be properly substantiated, documented, and authorised before they can proceed.
Council confirmed it will continue monitoring the sites to ensure compliance and to prevent further environmental or community impacts. It also thanked residents for their “vigilance and patience” throughout the matter.
Background
The issue first came to a head in August when council commenced enforcement proceedings in VCAT regarding earthworks at 370 Riddell Rd following a vocal campaign by residents of the adjacent Canterbury Hills estate.
At the time, council alleged some of the activities at the site were not consistent with the Hume Planning Scheme. The investigation began after complaints led council to seek:
- An interim enforcement order requiring works to stop until VCAT could consider the case in full, and
- A broader enforcement order requiring the owners and occupier to rehabilitate the land “as far as practicable” to its prior condition
Council said in August that it considered the ongoing works a potential risk to the environment and community, and pursued proceedings to ensure any immediate risks were managed.
Council says the new orders give it clearer authority to monitor compliance across all three Riddell Rd sites.
“These orders will ensure ongoing compliance with the Hume Planning Scheme and are a strong outcome for the community,” council said.
Sunbury Life will continue to follow the matter as monitoring and compliance activity progresses. See our previous reports on the issue here.