CAFPIRCO Road residents were last night expected to present a petition to Grant District Council to voice their opposition to a proposed asbestos dump.
This follows the Environment Protection Authority receiving an application seeking approval for an asbestos dump at the Sandyridge quarry on Cafpirco Road.
A number of residents – who have expressed outrage over the proposal – were expected to be in the gallery at last night’s council meeting.
Council has lodged a submission stating its opposition to the controversial proposal.
The local government body has already received approval from the EPA for an extension of time so the issue can be considered in greater detail.
Council was also expected to allow Cafpirco Road representatives to address last night’s meeting.
The petition was signed by 140 residents who live along Cafpirco Road, which is a popular strip for rural living allotments.
In a letter to council, petition spokesperson Joanne Byrne said there were 500 people – including children – who lived in the Compton area.
She claimed every resident in this area was “absolutely appalled” by the asbestos dump proposal.
“The EPA sent letters out to only four to five homes around the quarry with only 10 days to object,” Ms Byrne said.
“Residents have worked hard to have such beautiful properties and do not wish to see them de-valued.
“Anyone from Mount Gambier looking to buy in the Compton area will not want to live near an asbestos quarry.”
In its submission to the EPA, council states its reasons for opposing the variation to the EPA licence:
•There are already approved sites for the disposal of asbestos within the region.
•Multiplying the number of asbestos licensed landfills potentially sends the message the region is open to a much broader catchment for receipt and disposal of asbestos.
•We are now more aware of the fragility of asbestos and its potential health impacts.
•Land-uses within the vicinity of the Sandyridge Landfill have evolved since 1984 with more intensive rural living development having occurred, including recent housing approvals granted with construction imminent.
•Disposal of asbestos cannot be monitored by the licensing authority 24/7.
Grant District Council does not support the current licence variation application.
