Latrobe City Council will seek advice about possibly taking legal action in response to the Victorian Planning Minister’s approval of the Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling facility at Hazelwood North.
Last night Council voted to seek advice from a Senior Counsel about the likely success of requesting a judicial review of the Minister’s decision to approve Amendment C129 to the Latrobe Planning Scheme, which enables the ULAB facility to proceed.
“Council voted to take this action after being disappointed by the Minister’s decision, which prevented Council – and the community – from having the opportunity to present their viewpoints about the ULAB proposal at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT),” Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said.
“Councillors empathise with the community and equally share your frustration. As expressed by my colleagues, we hear you and will continue to listen.”
Council’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Piasente will now obtain a legal opinion from a Senior Counsel about the likelihood of a successful judicial review of the Minister’s decision to approve Amendment C129.
The legal opinion will be referred to a Special Council Meeting, to be called by the Mayor, for consideration. That discussion will be closed to the public.