SAVE WILLIAMSTOWN
SAVE WILLIAMSTOWN
Planning Minister releases Report of MHFAC
The Report of the Major Hazards Facilities Advisory Committee was prepared for the minister in July last year but its recommendations were so important that it needed considering for “Whole of Government” implications. Thisis because not only does this report involve the needs to change planning regulations to ensure the safest environment possible in the land surrounding Major Hazard Facilities and pipelines. In the Williamstown area we are have a number of these facilities, such as Pt Gellibrand, Williamstown and the network of pipelines in the Williamstown Newport Spotswood area. The report involves the expert advice of authorities such as Worksafe and the EPA, and industries which do not fall under the Planning Minister’s control. Hence the long wait.
On 17 March 2017, the report of the MHFAC was released to the public. The decisions of the Andrew’s government are now eagerly awaited.
Save Williamstown is very pleased with the contents of the report and the respect shown by the Committee members to our submissions and those of Ian Thomas who provided expert evidence for Save Williamstown in VCAT.
In summary the recommendations are that in addition to improving State policy & guidelines, the planning advisory area approach developed by WorkSafe be extended on a priority basis to other MHF, and then implemented in planning schemes through the application of the Environmental Significance Overlay and schedules. Also there are recommendations relating to pipelines.
Although there is specific mention that the report cannot reverse previous decisions on the land at Port Phillip Woollen Mills site near Pt Gellibrand MHF where VCAT had already handed down planning decisions, there remains almost 60% of that site which does not have planning permits and which should have to comply with any new regulations.
Friday, 17 March 2017