Wednesday, 19 February 2020

Knoxfield development site

Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) (19:18): (1896) My adjournment matter is for the Special Minister for State, and the action that I am seeking is in regard to the future development of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning site at 621 Burwood Highway in Knoxfield. I am seeking that the minister ensures that no development occurs on the site until the site has been properly assessed for contamination.

Historically this land, prior to 1950, was primarily used for agricultural purposes. Between 1950 and the present it was utilised by various government departments, including the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service who operated a plant quarantine nursery, and it was also used as a horticultural research centre which reported the primary activities undertaken on the site included the testing of many different species of plants and the application of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Given the former use of the site, concerns have been raised about the potential for soil contamination and risks to air from the various pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that were used on the site. Whilst it has been noted that several environmental site assessments have been prepared and various low to medium contaminants have been identified, there has been an absence of an environmental audit or statement being issued by Environment Protection Authority Victoria, which has obviously raised concerns in the local community.

Knox City Council, in their submission to the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee on 23 February 2018, also raised concerns about the potential for contamination of land. In their submission the council stated, and I quote:

Given the historical use of the site, including as a testing area for pesticides, and other horticultural testing, the potential contaminations that may exist on the site is of concern to Council.

It is also noted that in their submission the council identified that parts of the site are in an area of Aboriginal cultural heritage and that an appropriate study for Aboriginal culture has not been undertaken.

This site is adjacent to the Wantirna Lea housing estate as well as Fairhills High School, so there are concerns in the community that if the land is redeveloped and dust is emitted, it will impact on those local amenities. So my action is seeking for the minister to ensure that there is proper assessment of the site and that the land is deemed appropriate for development before any action is taken by Development Victoria for a housing estate to be established.