MAY 12, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Sunbury toxic soil bid By Jessica Micallef
105 reasons to smile
(Supplied)
Sunbury could become a dumping ground for contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project if a proposal is given the green light. Waste management and recycling company Hi-Quality Group submitted a proposal to the West Gate Tunnel project’s consortium in March to expand the existing Sunbury Eco-Hub on Sunbury Road. Hi-Quality Group is proposing to build and operate a temporary facility that will treat and “safely” dispose of soil excavated from the West Gate Tunnel project in 58 engineered containment bays. If the proposal is given the green light, the soil from the tunnel project would be transported to the bays at the Sunbury site, where the soil will be held for assessment and testing. According to Hi-Quality Group, once tested, water from the soil will be drained and put through a water treatment plant. Hi-Quality Group expects construction to begin this year if the proposal is approved. he irst truckloads of soil from the West Gate Tunnel project would arrive at Sunbury “several” months later. he temporary facility could operate for up to two years. In a statement released by Hi-Quality Group, the company said the Sunbury Eco-Hub, which is owned by Hi-Quality Group, is certiied as a “best practice site for waste management and recovery.” “It has been approved for recycling, landill and the processing of contaminated materials for more than 20 years,” the statement read. “he site is identiied as a hub of state signiicance for waste management. “Hi-Quality Group has undertaken detailed environmental impact reviews, which showed storage and reuse of the soil will not cause any unacceptable impact or leave any detrimental environmental legacy, either on site or to the local community.” Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn said he was outraged at the possibility of “foul substances” being dumped in Sunbury or Bulla. “Material which is dangerous, which is toxic, which is poisonous, we do not want it here,” he said. Residents can have their say on Hi-Quality Group’s proposal until Friday, May 22. For more information on the proposal and to have your say, visit: hiqualityecohub.com.au/
New Gisborne’s Mavis Arkinstall enjoyed being the centre of attention last week for a very special reason. The Warrina Aged Care resident celebrated her 105th birthday on May 8, surrounded by family and messages of love. “It’s very special, turning 105,” she said. “I never dreamed I would make it this far. It’s nice being the centre of attention once in a while.” Ms Arkinstall grew up in Kyneton and was the eldest of six children. At age 16, she left school to become a nurse at the Epworth Hospital but her career was cut short when her mother died and she returned to Kyneton to help her father raise her ive siblings. She then met and married the love of her life, Harry Arkinstall. The couple shared 63 years of marriage before Mr Arkinstall died. Together, they raised three children, Ann, Ian and Graham. To celebrate her birthday, staff at the aged care centre organised a high tea. “My immediate family joined me, with my extended family visiting me through the windows,” Ms Arkinstall said. “Nothing has ever stopped me from celebrating my birthday with my family and neither will coronavirus. “Family is my world, we have always been very close. They keep me going and make me want to live to 106.” Ms Arkinstall credited her long life to being around family, eating healthy, staying active and her love of the Essendon Football Club. She received cards, letters and drawings from children around the world, after nursing director Tara Chandrasegran put a call out on social media. Jessica Micallef
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