WARRNAMBOOL City Council will have more explaining to do before the state's planning appeals tribunal after last night refusing a planning permit for a sewerage pipeline for the Midfield Meat rendering plant.
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The council is already listed to appear before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on April 13 for failing to make a decision in appropriate time on Midfield's application to revamp the plant, which is situated at Levys Point near the sensitive Merri wetlands.
It took three attempts last year for the council to decide to issue a permit for the proposed multi-million-dollar modernisation which involved better waste disposal and greater protection against pollution.
However, last night's 4-3 refusal to allow the pipeline could put the project in doubt and ultimately the company's plans for major improvements at the abattoir.
Councillors began last night's debate on recommendations from planning officers to approve the permit subject to a long list of strict conditions.
Cr Brian Kelson immediately called for a decision to be postponed until after the VCAT hearing, but mayor Michael Neoh said the date had been set to allow a decision on the pipeline and rendering plant upgrade in the same hearing.
The outcome swung when Cr Jacinta Ermacora, who has long spoken against the plant being in such a sensitive environmental area, said the application should not be supported.
"I'm not going to change my position," she said.
"This is an environmental issue. There's been significant poor planning in past decades it should have been closed down when the council owned it.
"I acknowledge existing use rights for the company, but I can't support any proposal that extends the time it remains at Kelly Swamp." She was supported by councillors Brian Kelson, Peter Hulin and Peter Sycopoulis.
Cr Rob Askew spoke in favour of the permit, saying it had been an emotive issue in the community.
He said the rendering plant had an existing right to operate on the site and the council should be trying to encourage improved operating standards.
"The pipeline will allow them to remove waste safely and to remove odours," he said.
Cr Askew warned that it could cost an estimated $50 million to relocate the plant.
" The rendering plant is a very important part of the abattoir operation, which is part of the employment in our city.
"Quite a few objectors are residents who have moved to that area in recent times."
Cr Kylie Gaston also called for the council to encourage better efficiencies at the plant.
"It's not ideal, but Midfield has a right to be there," she said.
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au
