A TOXIC soil facility for Altona has been approved by Victoria’s planning tribunal.
Innova Soil Technology will treat contaminated soil from across the state on the Dow Chemical site in Kororoit Creek Road.
The site is about a kilometre from Altona homes, including Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s house.
About 3500 residents had signed a petition against Innova’s proposal, which was refused by Hobsons Bay Council.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal overturned the council’s refusal on appeal.
Cherry Lake ward councillor Tony Briffa said the community would now consider its next step.
‘‘I have opposed this application for the last four years and am extremely disappointed by the decision.
‘‘The community will now have to consider what steps we take next and how this facility, if it is built, is going to be monitored. As if we don’t have enough issues with dust from industry already.’”
Innova managing director John Lucas said the plant would start treating contaminated soil next year.
“We took on board suggestions from the objectors and that undoubtedly assisted our cause,” he said.
“We will continue to listen to their suggestions.
“It has been an extremely expensive and time consuming exercise for both Innova – which is a small company – and the Hobsons Bay Council.
“We now look forward to begin operating the plant early next year and decontaminating polluted sites throughout the western suburbs, allowing them to be developed for parkland, recreation, housing and commercial uses.”
