Tuesday, 18 June 2024

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:09): (920) My constituency question is for the Minister for Environment in the hope that he can help solve the mystery of the barrels. In November last year a constituent noticed two rusty 50-gallon barrels lying next to the Western Port Highway at Langwarrin. He found another one in May, and I have since found other containers around the same area – it has been growing. We estimate he has found at least 450 litres of potentially toxic liquid in rusty barrels. What followed was an epic tale of bureaucratic indifference and buck-passing. The police directed him to the EPA. He went to the EPA office in January, only to be told that he had to report it online, but then the EPA told him in a response it was a matter for VicRoads and Frankston council. Frankston council has since taken no action. My constituent just wants the buck-passing to stop before this liquid leaks into the environment. My question to the minister is: why won’t the EPA ensure somebody takes responsibility for waste found next to a highway?