Anne Parisianne
The impending closure of Qenos’ Altona facility has raised several important questions about the future of the site.
Qenos has entered voluntary administration, leading to the closure of its manufacturing facilities in Altona and New South Wales.
During the June 25 Hobsons Bay council meeting, Cr Antoinette Briffa inquired about the future of Qenos, specifically questioning when it will cease operations and what will happen with the substantial parcel of land it occupies.
Council’s sustainable communities director Rachel Lunn said she understands the land has informally been sold to LOGOS, a large industrial and commercial developer, and the existing zoning controls classify the land as a petrochemical complex area.
She further noted that WorkSafe had confirmed the land remains licensed and hasn’t been decommissioned.
She said the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) would be responsible for considering future contamination, especially for a site this large and complicated by petrochemicals, and if the site is proposed for redevelopment, it would fall under the EPA’s oversight.
Ms Lunn said in the absence of redevelopment, Qenos, as the duty holder, remains responsible for maintaining the site.
“It would be down to the EPA to decide how to enforce that,” she said.
Cr Briffa suggested “it may be prudent for the council to take a proactive step in consulting and liaising with both the EPA and the owners”.
LOGOS was contacted for comment.
