Local MPs – missing in action

By Kate Taylor

Member for Melton Steve McGhie and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle did not attend the community rally.
A spokesperson for Ms Settle’s office said she believes that keeping the community safe is paramount.
“Last week Michaela tabled the petition from Bacchus Marsh residents in Parliament and Michaela will continue to speak with the responsible Minister to establish the facts about the Maddingley Mine site,” the spokesperson said.
“Any changes to the site must follow strict and enforceable EPA regulations; any company breaching these regulations is liable to sanctions and penalties.”

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A spokesperson for Mr McGhie told the Moorabool News that he could not attend the rally due to prior commitments but had staff from his office attend.
“Steve has met with Council and the Bacchus Marsh Grammar Principal and Minister Jacinta Allan. He has also raised the concerns with the Premier.
“His preference is not for soil to come to Bacchus Marsh however, he is not the decision maker and patience is wearing thin with Transurban who have not made a decision yet. Mr McGhie will not be advised by Transurban of the decision, he will be advised by the government.
“Steve will continue to raise concerns from constituents, he has also met with the Community Coalition Group and Ms Settle tabled the petition in parliament as she is the member for the area.”
The spokesperson said not only would the MBC site have to comply with EPA regulations, but also those of WorkSafe.
“Wherever it goes the highest standard will be set by the EPA and Worksafe regulations.
“There will be stricter controls at MBC than what are currently in place, if it goes there, on testing, transport and containment.
“Any soil, wherever it goes will have gone through strict core testing, and if that core testing reveals contaminant in the A or B Category, it will be taken to the appropriate hazardous waste landfill site, most likely at Lyndhurst.”

To read the full story (Page 15) – Simply click on the following link and scroll through the pages
in the  17 March 2020 edition.

https://www.scribd.com/document/451824085/MN-2020-03-17

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