Monash Council has reiterated its long-standing concerns about the redevelopment of the former Talbot Quarry and Landfill site in Oakleigh South.
Mayor Stuart James said Council supports housing at the site if it can be made safe and environmental issues can be appropriately managed.
"The amendment to rezone this site has not addressed the long-term arrangements required to manage important issues including contamination, landfill gas and ground conditions," Cr James said.
"These matters should have been resolved upfront, and before the land was rezoned and without doubt before any development is approved.
"It has always been about ensuring that redevelopment of this complex site is undertaken responsibly, and that people choosing to live there can do so with confidence," Cr James said.
Council's focus has consistently been on ensuring the land can be made safe for residential development and that future residents are protected from the long-term risks and costs associated with the site's geotechnical and contamination issues.
"Council rejects claims that it delayed the redevelopment of the former Talbot Quarry and Landfill. This includes a previous rezoning proposal not supported by an independent panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning," Cr James said.
The Minister's more recently appointed advisory committees also found that there was a lack of detail or certainty required for a residential development of the site.
The approved amendment does not address all the matters raised by the advisory committees and does not provide the certainty sought by Council and the community about the following:
- The proposed staged development of the site, despite concerns from experts and the EPA that staging could increase the complexity and risks associated with remediation.
- Unresolved geotechnical and contamination issues that remain subject to future approvals by the Minister for Planning.
- The lack of certainty regarding responsibility for, and the capability of, an owners' corporation to manage the ongoing monitoring, maintenance and costs associated with complex environmental issues.
- A reduction in the public open space contribution from 7.61 per cent to 2.61 per cent, shifting a greater share of community infrastructure and open space costs onto the existing community.
