A LETTER has been distributed to Clarinda residents by recycler Alex Fraser Group detailing their proposal for a 10 to 15 year permit extension to operate at their Clarinda site.
The letter pitching their case was sent out last week, and signed by Alex Fraser Group director Peter Murphy. Alex Fraser Group says that if their site is shutdown, that “Victoria’s recycling crisis would worsen, with more materials which could be recycled potentially going to landfill.”
“The permit for this vital recycling facility is due to expire in 2023, and, without an extension from Kingston City Council, the site will shut down. As allowed under the current permit, Alex Fraser has applied to Kingston City Council for a 10 to 15-year extension, to give time to find and relocate to an alternative site,” Mr Murphy wrote.
“A council decision to extend the permit at Clarinda would provide a vital solution to Victoria’s recycling crisis. It will also ensure the continued supply of sustainable materials needed for infrastructure projects planned for Melbourne south east like the Suburban Rail Loop, South Eastern Roads Upgrade, and Mordialloc Freeway.”
Mr Murphy wrote that if the site shut down by 2023, the land would be unavailable for public use. The letter sent to Clarinda residents detailed the recycler’s plan for the land if an extension of their permit is issued.
“To provide certainty about the site’s long term use, Alex Fraser has committed to give the Kingston community ownership of the 22 hectares of land in 2033. We’d love to see this land redeveloped to serve the community as a public park and recreation space, which could include facilities for netball, soccer and football,” the letter read.
“To help fund this kind of community development, Alex Fraser would lease the land from the community until the planning permit expires in 2038, providing Kingston City Council with $1 million in rent every year for five years.”
The News reported in February this year that the group had circulated a brochure to council seeking a 10 year extension of their permit.
A 15 year permit was granted to the Alex Fraser Group in 2008, with an exit date of 2023 targeted.
The Alex Fraser Group made a push for a 15 year licence extension in late 2014, but they faced unanimous opposition from the previous Kingston Council. That move was eventually blocked when planning minister Richard Wynne announced Green Wedge land north of Kingston and Heatherton Rds would be rezoned from Special Use, allowing waste businesses, to a Green Wedge A Zone (‘Time to take out the trash in Green Wedge’, The News, 21/10/15).
Kingston councillor Steve Staikos confirmed on social media that the Alex Fraser Group’s application for an extension of their permit had been officially lodged with council.
Submissions about the plan can be made to council at kingston.vic.gov.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 13 November 2019
