By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A company has won a green light to continue its controversial resumption of chemical storage activities on a site near homes at North Geelong.
Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj said council legal advice confirmed Teleta Group had existing use rights on the Roseneath St allotment.
Cr Kontelj said the rights included chemical manufacturing, treatment and storage.
Ferro Corporation stored chemicals at the site until 2010 before selling it to Taleta Group.
Teleta has also applied for a planning scheme amendment to expand operations on the site for blending up to 1.5 million litres of chemicals, including flammable and dangerous goods.
Cr Kontelj said a councillor committee panel would hear the application on 19 November.
The Independent reported last month that residents were objecting to the resumption of storage activities.
Resident Anna Michalik said the ruling allowing the work to proceed was “crazy” because the site suffered spills and odour release problems under the previous owner.
“They were unable to contain the toxic vapour air pollution being released into the neighbourhood, creating an unfriendly workplace area for many adjoining businesses, not to mention the residents,” she said.
“When does this company take responsibility for the toxic asset they have purchased? They must understand that they are liable to clean up this toxic chemical facility, not create a new one.
“Legally, Industrial Zone 1 … is to provide for the storage and distribution of goods and associated use in a manner that does not affect the safety and amenity of local communities.”
