A controversial proposal to expand a Yarraville cement processing plant has been rejected by Maribyrnong council.
A meeting of council’s city development delegated committee on Wednesday, December 11 voted unanimously to refuse planning approval for the proposal brought by Steel Cement Pty Ltd.
The $180 million expansion proposal of Steel Cement’s existing facility on Whitehall and Francis streets, involved the construction of two new sheds, a workshop and two grinding mills to allow for the processing of clement clinker 24 hours a day.
The proposal drew fierce opposition from the local community with 109 objections received against it, many on environmental and amenity grounds.
Speaking before the vote, Lisel Thomas from the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group told the chamber that pollution from heavy vehicles was already a huge problem in Yarraville and the expansion would encourage even more trucks to the area.
She said this would undermine council’s efforts to improve air quality in Maribyrnong.
“We think that issuing a permit for this expansion would make mockery of council declaring a health emergency,” she said.
Steel Cement executive general manager Damian Garlick told the meeting that as a cement recycling business, the company produced sustainable, ‘green’ building products that were increasingly in demand and an expanded processing plant would actually provide an environmental benefit.
He also said the proposed expansion would create jobs and that being situated close to the Port of Melbourne meant it would actually remove trucks from the roads.
“Our location actually eliminates the need for 1500 truck movements for every ship that arrives.”
In moving the motion to refuse planning approval, councillor Elena Pereryra said development proposals had to enhance the livelihood of people in Maribyrnong.
“This falls short,” Cr Pereyra said.
Speaking in support of the motion, deputy mayor Bernadette Thomas said Steel Cement’s promise of jobs and its cement recycling efforts outweighed her concerns about the expansion
“I fully support the circular economy but not at the expense of our community,” Cr Thomas said.
Following the vote, a spokesperson for Steel Cement said the company would consider its options.
“Steel Cement is disappointed but not surprised by council’s decision,” the spokesperson said.
