102 McBryde Street, Fawkner VIC 3060

I am attempting to submit an objection to Council regarding any prospective development of this site that would potentially compromise the fragile and already inadequate clay cap placed upon the heavily contaminated soil following the Nufarm use of the site until at least the late 1970s. The local history of the site is well documented and precedents exist around the world for attempts to gain environmental justice regarding dioxin contamination and remediation of sites such as this. Look to New Plymouth NZ or Love Canal NY. Any fencing or building proposal on the privately owned site should not be tolerated by Council. The bonding of the existing industrial residue with soil is highly persistent in soil not exposed to light for a period of 100 years, possibly more. Fencing and building work by contractors most likely unfamiliar with the history of the site should not be approved. It is a pity that residents are given such a narrow frame of time to gain their wits and submit an informed objection; also a public SHAME that Fawkner residents should be subjected to this harrowing process for so very long. People in Fawkner have long suffered and died from the actions and ongoing effects of Nufarm. This is not a Fiction. The paving company that now owns this site should not be allowed to dig it up for their own convenience. Asbestos risk used to be regarded with scepticism; it is nothing next to dioxin contaminated soil. My earnest wish is that Merri-bek Council acquire the contaminated site and also the adjacent site to cover or otherwise remediate it for future generations.