Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has called for an urgent and thorough investigation of the Bulla tip.
Mr Finn said what went into the tip was a mystery.
“Of recent times there has been speculation as to what actually goes into the tip and speculation that has led to a view that maybe asbestos is being dumped,” he said.
“It’s important to know exactly what is in there and what’s being dumped in there.”
Mr Finn last week asked Environment, Climate Change and Water Minister Lisa Neville to initiate a full Environment Protection Authority investigation into the landfill site at Sunbury Road operated by Bulla Tip and Quarry.
Mr Finn said he passed the tip frequently and could vouch for the “horrendous” smell that lingers in the area; he likened it to the smell curdled milk.
“It’s only fair, it’s only right and reasonable that locals have a right to know what is dumped practically in their backyards,” he said.
Mr Finn’s comments come a month after the EPA admitted to an administrative error that allowed asbestos to be disposed of at the site without the appropriate licence. In response to the finding, EPA chief executive officer Nial Finegan ordered an independent review into the licence of every Victorian tip that accepts asbestos.
The findings are due to be made public early next month.
Bulla resident and Stop Bulla Toxic Tip Action Group spokeswoman Carmel Egan said the group wholeheartedly endorsed Mr Finn’s comments.
“He’s absolutely right about the need for transparency around the Bulla tip,” she said.
“The Bulla and Sunbury communities have been treated with contempt by the authorities that have allowed the situation at 500 Sunbury Road to continue for 20 years.
“The stench, dust, litter and threat of fire is a blight on our neighbourhood.”
The EPA fined the tip operators last month for allowing litter to blow off site.
