Casey Council has voted to request a State-appointed independent panel of experts to review written submissions following a developer’s proposal to rezone two parcels of land near a former landfill site, prompting concerns of environmental risks.
The proposed development seeks to enable housing developments by converting two, four hectares lots at Cyril Beechey Lane in Cranbourne from farming zones into general residential zones.
While this aligned with the council’s original recommendation, councillors at a 17 March meeting raised the potential for environmental risks if the proposal to house residents next to a former toxic landfill on Stevensons Road was later approved.
Nearly two decades ago, the same landfill caused a dangerous methane gas leak which forced hundreds of residents living in the Brookland Greens estate to evacuate due to risks of explosion.
After the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed the landfill was leaking thousands of cubic metres of methane per hour into the air, a class action lawsuit reached a settlement of $23.5 million with more than 750 Casey residents granted payouts.
The Victorian Supreme Court ruled that the EPA had failed to do its job and that the Casey Council had not acted quickly enough to stop the gas escaping.
While Cr Melinda Ambros supported the designation of a panel, the former Deputy Mayor introduced an amendment to the recommendation which would include an environment safety audit to fill in “information gaps”.
This would review any potential risks to human health or the environment from contaminated land, waste, pollution or any activity associated with the former Stevensons Road and Casey landfills as well as the former Casey Landfill Waste Transfer Station.
“This recommendation… it doesn’t change the overall planning process, it does not prejudge any future planning outcome but rather strengthens the environmental audit requirements within the planning controls,” Cr Ambros said.
As it stands, the development proponent has not submitted an environment safety assessment yet and posits that this can later be addressed according to the council’s Manager of Growth and Investment, Michael Ford.
“The proponent would suggest that this may not be done now and that any environmental risks can be considered, documented and any recommendations addressed closer to when they get on site if council supports these amendments,” Mr Ford said during the council meeting.
At this point in time, It is unclear when the audit will take place.
As a response, Grevillea ward councillor, Dave Perry put an alternate motion which would abandon the recommendation as a whole on fears of community safety and environmental risks. This was later echoed by Cr Lynette Pereira.
“A precautionary approach is necessary to protect current and future members of the community to avoid repeating past mistakes,” said Cr Perry.
“It would be irresponsible for the council to do anything other than discontinue the amendment.”
A further amendment was added by Cr Kim Ross, which would work to strengthen vegetation and tree canopies as part of the environmental audit.
During public consultation, 17 submissions were received. Only one contributor, aligned with the proponent, supported the rezoning.
Written opposition came from diverse groups, including residents, community organisations and two state departments including the EPA and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
These objections were on the basis of several concerns, including the land’s proximity to former landfills and methane gas leak fears, concerns regarding the endangered species of the Southern Brown Bandicoot, bushfire risks and traffic and noise impacts.
Council will now refer submissions to an independent planning panel committee for further review in May 2026.
A final decision on whether to adopt the amendment will be made in mid 2026.
