A LOCAL MP is calling for security to be lifted on the Newport flour mill site before a graffiti vandal is injured “abseiling” down the silos.
The derelict site had been earmarked for development, with plans for a five-storey, 183-dwelling residential development referred to an independent panel.
Panels Victoria has advised that the applicant no longer wishes to proceed.
After a 2010 fire, security was increased at the ‘Spotswood silos’, but state Williamstown MP Wade Noonan says vandals are now back with a vengeance. “There’s been an increase in the level of graffiti and it’s clear that those accessing the site are taking greater risks, particularly at the highest points off the existing buildings on site, and it’s there for all the residents to see.
“It looks like, by where the graffiti is down the former storage areas at the site, they may even be abseiling down the highest points of the site in order to spray-paint the graffiti messages. I don’t want to see people, particularly young people, seriously injured because of the lack of security.”
WorkSafe and Shell had objected to the development plans, saying the site was too close to Shell’s Newport terminal containing 40 storage tanks, which can hold 140 million litres of fuel, solvents and lubricating oil.
Mid-last year, Hobsons Bay Council asked Planning Minister Matthew Guy to appoint a panel to hear 17 submissions on the proposal.
