A FORMER landfill site on Ball Road in Heatherton is being considered for residential redevelopment.
The owners of lots one and two at 16 Ball Road in Heatherton, Leaf Corporation Pty Ltd, are proposing to build housing on the 12 hectare site. The land was formerly used for City of Brighton landfill between the 1960s and 1980s.
The state government had referred the plan to a Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee to provide an independent assessment of the proposed rezoning. The referral does not include public consultation on the matter.
The referral letter to the advisory committee from the Department of Transport and Planning reveals that the site owner is seeking a combined planning scheme amendment and planning permit application to rezone the land to the General Residential Zone, and to apply a new schedule to the Development Plan Overlay, exempt future subdivisions from public open space contributions, and approve a residential subdivision of approximately 400 lots.
“The land comprises a former municipal landfill and sand quarry and is affected by complex environmental and geotechnical conditions. The site directly abuts land identified as regionally significant industrial land, raising unresolved land use compatibility, and reverse amenity considerations,” the referral letter read.
The land sits within Kingston Council’s boundaries. In a statement issued last week, council urged the state government to exercise caution when considering the rezoning. “Council has previously written to the EPA and Department of Transport and Planning to flag concerns that the use of the former landfill site for housing posed potential health risks for future occupants and neighbours,” a Kingston Council statement read.
“Careful consideration must be given before housing is allowed to be built on any former landfill site, due to the potential long-term risks. Kingston Council has raised long-held serious concerns regarding the proposal and believes the community should be kept updated.”
Council has criticised the state government for appointing an independent panel before undertaking community consultation. Council said “the panel may consult government agencies (such as the Environment Protection Authority, Suburban Rail Loop Authority and VicRoads) and council, who will take part to speak up on behalf of our community.”
The first panel hearing is scheduled for 4 March. For more information visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ball-road-heatherton.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 18 February 2026