Enemies united over Corio sewage project

Plans for a sewage treatment plant near homes has made strange political bedfellows in the election race for Corio.
The Greens and Family First have put aside their animosity to join forces with independent candidate Gavan O’Connor against the proposed Norlane site.
Traditional enemies Labor and the Liberals are also united over the site but instead back the location on financial grounds.
About 1000 Corio voters have signed a petition against the project to recycle sewage on vacant land off St Georges Road opposite Stead Park.
The plant would help wean Corio’s Shell refinery off Geelong’s supply of drinking water.
The Greens and Family First back the aim of the sewage plant but want it built away from homes at Avalon.
Greens candidate Rob Leach acknowledged his party and Family First rarely agreed.
“But I agree with (Family First candidate) Gordon Alderson on this issue,” Dr Leach said.
“Yes, (the plant) is a good idea but it should be at Avalon.
“They (Barwon Water) are talking about it being a high tech plant that won’t have a lot of odours but you can bet it wouldn’t be built in Newtown.”
Mr Alderson welcomed the Greens’ support.
“They obviously see common sense on this issue,” he said.
Mr Alderson estimated “at least” 95 per cent of residents who were aware of the plan opposed the site.
He said a series of his election signs along Melbourne Road demonstrated the level of opposition.
“Every one of those signs is in the yard of someone with whom I have discussed Family First’s view that the plant should be located at Avalon.”
Dr Leach and Mr Alderson both said an estimated $30 million extra to build at Avalon was a small price to pay considering the plant’s long life and its potential impact on the amenity of nearby residential areas.
Mr O’Connor said he had received “many representations” on the project from voters.
“They are frustrated and angry about the impact it will have on their lifestyle and the value of their assets,” he said.
Labor Corio candidate Richard Marles said the project would be too costly to go ahead if it shifted to Avalon.
“It’s disappointing Family First, the Greens and Gavan O’Connor are putting a very significant barrier in front of such an important project,” he said.
“This is a flagship recycling project not only for Geelong but the country.”
Liberal candidate Angelo Kakouros accused the minor parties and Mr O’Connor of not doing their “homework” on the plant.
“It will not stink and if it did I would not have supported it,” he said.
“They need to find out the facts before they go out and start scaring the community.”