MARCH 10, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Gas shock: Answers demanded
Residents living in houses built over the former Sunshine landfills may have been exposed to a high risk of explosion. (Luke Hemer) 205633_09
By Tate Papworth A senior MP has labelled the Sunshine landfill toxic gas revelation as a “time bomb” and called for a judicial inquiry. In February, Star Weekly revealed a number of residents on Denton Avenue, Toora Court and Karen Place, St Albans were living on top of buried waste and being exposed to methane gas. Western metropolitan region MP Bernie Finn said it was an “appalling situation” and demanded answers. “I’m absolutely flabbergasted that the council was aware of this for quite some time and didn’t tell anyone,” Mr Finn said.
“The biggest outlay most people will make during their lives is buying a home and to find out it’s built on what is possibly a time bomb is appalling.” Mr Finn said a thorough investigation was needed. “These people purchased this land in good faith … the council and state government have known about the site for years and said nothing. “This stinks of a cover-up. We need an independent judicial inquiry to determine exactly who knew what and how this was allowed to happen. “I have to ask if former Brimbank mayor and current St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman knew about this and if so, for how long?“
Ms Suleyman told Star Weekly she was first made aware of the issue in December 2019. “Late last year I received written correspondence from Brimbank council regarding the former Sunshine landfill,” Ms Suleyman said. “I have had a briefing from the EPA on this site earlier this year and have been advised that this site is safe for residents. “I know this is really stressful for affected residents. My priority is to ensure my community has the appropriate support and information through the Brimbank council and EPA through this process.” A number of residents are now considering their legal options.
Law firm Slater and Gordon is expected to hold a “town hall-style” meeting this week to answer questions from residents and discuss their legal options. Brimbank council insists health risks are low. Documents reveal that elevated levels of methane and carbon dioxide recorded around properties could have exposed residents to a “high risk of explosion”. Residents last week said they were left in the dark, with a number telling Star Weekly that they had no idea they’d even purchased a property on an old landfill site. ■ Residents
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