21 GEORGE STREET, MORWELL 3840
TELEPHONE 0351354444
WEDNESDAY, 20 APRIL, 2022
18
17
SHOWER OR TWO
CLOUDY
www.latrobevalleyexpress.ccom.au
19
$1 $1.80 80 iinc. GST
20
MOSTLY SUNNY
MOSTLY SUNNY
December build date for ULAB plant By MICHELLE SLATER
THE construction of a used lead acid battery recycling plant in Hazelwood North is scheduled for December, with commissioning set for September 2023, according to EPA timelines. Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said there were a series of processes underway before developer Chunxing could forge ahead with building the controversial plant. Ms Shing said this included ongoing discussions between a community liaison committee, Latrobe City Council, the Environmental Protection Authority and local community groups. She said construction was contingent upon the company’s ability to meet its obligations about its EPA Works Approval and its consultation requirements. “There have been a series of meetings with requests for documentation for testing and an understanding for the way in which the company intends to meet its obligations around environmental and risk management,” Ms Shing said. “It’s really important the community’s views are taken into consideration and we continue to have discussions with people in and around the Hazelwood North Primary (School) environment and we continue to have conversations around air, soil and water monitoring.” Planning Minister Richard Wynne had signed-off on the plant last year, despite the application being rejected by Latrobe City amid strong community objection. Mr Wynne said he was confident the EPA could ensure the company abided by its conditions without the need for an independent Environment Effects Statement.
COUNTDOWN IS ON Latrobe City to host Commonwealth Games events Latrobe City will play a key role in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. With regional Victoria officially winning the rights to the event last week, it was confirmed the region would play host to rugby sevens, badminton, road cycling and Twenty20 cricket. In addition to the sports, Latrobe City will be one of four major regional Victorian locations for an athletes village expected to cater for about 800 competitors. “This announcement means so much to Latrobe City and will provide a significant boost to our economy, raising the profile of Latrobe City, the wider Gippsland region and beyond,” Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said.
If you build it, they will come: The countdown is now on for 2026 when Latrobe City will host four events as part of the Commonwealth Games.
FULL COVERAGE FROM LIAM DURKIN, GREGOR MACTAGGART AND MICHELLE SLATER - PAGES 4-5
photographs supplied
Continued on page 7
TRARALGON BASKETBALL ACE DRAFTED TO WNBA POWERHOUSE - VALLEY SPORT
Shopping Locally Creates Local Jobs www.darrenchester.com.au
Ultrrashutters SHEDS! Ultrashutters 1. Ultrashutters keep your ur whole home cool 2. Your home is protecte ed from the weather 3. Increase the security of your home 4. Ultrashutters block out 64% of outside noise
NOW
IIF FY YOU OU NEED NEED A SHED, YOU NEED
5 5. Eliminate condensation on your windows 6. Unbeatable 5 year warranty 7. Locally owned & operated
& 1300 66 88 96 12 Short Street, Traralgon www.ultrashutters.com.au
EUREKA! Best price, Best Advice!
Deal with the locals with over 25 years’ experience.
188 Argyle Street Traralgon
Garages & Sheds PHONE: 5174 5311
GP1640088
Member for Gippsland
reasons whyy yyou should install
GP1639635
Darren Chester 7