Cade Lucas
A cement company whose bid to expand their Yarraville processing plant was knocked back by Maribyrnong council last year, has lodged an appeal with VCAT.
Steel Cement, a subsidiary of Independent Cement and Lime, last year proposed a $180 million expansion of its processing plant on the corner of Whitehall and Francis Street so it could produce clinker cement 24 hours a day.
The company produces recycled cement and argued that the expansion, including the construction of two new sheds, a workshop and two grinding mills, would allow it to produce more environmentally sustainable ‘green’ cement.
The proposal attracted fierce opposition from the local community, with more than 100 objections lodged against it when it was put before council last year.
Most opponents argued that the expansion would lead to even more trucks on inner-west roads and more pollution in the air.
Despite council officers recommending the expansion proposal be approved, councillors voted unanimously to reject it at a meeting on December 11 last year.
At its most recent meeting on March 18, Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock confirmed council was aware Steel Cement had taken the matter to VCAT and that a legal defence was being prepared.
Steel Cement was contacted for comment.
Yarraville resident and Maribyrnong Truck Action Group committee member Lisel Thomas had her submission opposing the expansion read out at the December 11 council meeting.
She said Steel Cement were within their rights to appeal, but was pleased that council were defending their decision to reject.
“From our perspective, anything that adds trucks, even one truck, to local roads is a problem,” Ms Thomas said.
“And we’re particularly concerned if local industry are given exemptions from truck bans and curfews.”
While Steel Cement has argued they are not seeking such exemptions, Ms Thomas said this should be made a condition of any permit issued should the company win its appeal, something she hopes won’t happen.
“Obviously not having the permit is preferred.”
A date for the VCAT hearing has not yet been set.
