MOBIL has called on the state government to give “more serious consideration” to residential development near major hazard facilities (MHFs) like its Point Gellibrand tank farm.
The call came as Hobsons Bay Council representatives met Planning Minister Matthew Guy to discuss “how consistency, community safety and future development proposals can be balanced with the needs of industry”.
Mayor Angela Altair labelled the meeting “productive”. “The council is seeking clearer measures, including a review of planning processes and of state risk and safety management processes for MHFs.”
She said Mr Guy indicated he would discuss the issue with Police and Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells.
As reported by the Weekly, in February the council asked the government and MHF operators to “urgently” assess risks at eight sites in Hobsons Bay. Mobil spokeswoman Melanie Saliba said the oil giant supported the council’s call. “We support it in raising this issue with the government and look forward to state and local governments giving more serious consideration to the needs of industry and community well-being with regard to local planning and development matters in the future.”
Mobil is still investigating a fuel leak outside its Altona refinery at 7am on April 23, which closed Kororoit Creek Road to traffic.
“The clean-up was completed by midday. The pipeline which was the source of the release has been isolated and is in the process of being repaired,” Ms Saliba said
Williamstown state MP Wade Noonan said “recent global events should remind the state government how important it was to adopt a cautious approach to approving high-density residential developments within close proximity to major hazard facilities”.
He suggested establishing a planning advisory group.
