Dump plans put on hold
CONTROVERSIAL plans to massively expand an Ipswich dump have been put on hold and its opponents want to stop it for good.
Transpacific has applied to increase the capacity of the dump at New Chum from 50,000 to 1.9 million tonnes a year.
Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood said the application had passed from the State Government to the Council but this week that process was shelved.
"Transpacific notified us yesterday that they have put it on hold for three months while they hold negotiations with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP)," Cr Attwood said yesterday. "The State Government has sent to council a list of conditions that, if we approve it, we have to include in the approval."
EHP executive director Andrew Connor said the department requested further information from Transpacific to complete its assessment. It was due back to the department by September 24.
"Ipswich City Council is the assessment manager and will make the final decision on the application," Mr Connor said.
"Depending on the outcome of its assessment, EHP can require the council to include specific environmental conditions in a development approval if it is granted by council.
"Alternatively, the department can direct the council to refuse the application should the applicant fail to demonstrate environmental risks can be managed. EHP cannot direct the council to approve the application."
A Transpacific spokeswoman said the company was working through the final stages of planning for its application and was "almost ready for Ipswich City Council to consider".
Jim Dodrill, president of IRATE (Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Environments), called on the council to reject the proposal.
Mr Dodrill is also concerned about Transpacific's application for medical and other toxic waste to be dumped at New Chum.
"All the councillors and the mayor made election promises they wouldn't allow the expansion of this dump," Mr Dodrill said.
"Human health, a safe environment and property values should be a priority of the council.
"This dump borders residential areas of Collingwood Park, Riverview, Redbank Plains and Dinmore. It should not be allowed to expand and must be closed."
IRATE will host a community meeting on August 25 at Riverview Community Centre from 1pm.
