A PUBLIC rally at the East Beach tip site will call on government departments to clean up their act on hazardous material.
The Victorian Marine Animal Defence Conservation Society (VMAD) launched a campaign this week to Reclaim East Beach Port Fairy.
Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy could visit the site in August. VMAD is calling for people to attend a September rally to highlight the danger the waste poses to beach users, marine life and the environment.
Moyne Shire Council have predicted the clean-up could cost $30 million.
VMAD founding director James Brown and director Sharon Lee visited the site last week following a social media video by Port Fairy resident Geoff Ford.
The pair found an “insane” amount of rubbish including asbestos, “really scary” medical waste, plastic, metal and glass which was washing into East Beach.
“I didn’t expect it to jump out as much as it did,” Mr Brown said.
The directors have emailed more than 30 politicians and EPA representatives – including Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and EPA Victoria chief Nial Finegan – calling for action.
The VMAD directors will work with the council to determine a suitable outcome.
Mr Brown believes the high cost was the reason for inaction.
“The longer they wait, the more expensive it’s going to be,” he said.
The council said it would continue to work with state and federal governments to provide a long-term solution.
A council spokesperson said an EPA inspection in May deemed no matters gave rise to the need to give a direction during the inspection. EPA officer Greg Trezise directed the council’s environment manager Robert Gibson to remove waste as required.
Mr Trezise said in the report the removal and disposal of waste to landfill was too costly in the short-term.
Mr Brown said it was an incredible piece of land which, if reclaimed, would have multiple uses. He said it was disappointing the land couldn’t be used when next door was one of Australia’s top 100 listed public golf courses.
Mr Brown encouraged concerned residents to write letters to government ministers, local council and to sign soon-to-be distributed petitions to demonstrate they were serious about activating change.
