LARA DUMP SITE BURNS
TWO men have been arrested after emergency services were called to multiple suspicious fires at a property where massive piles of rubbish, including matresses and car parts, have been dumped.
The Environment Protection Authority confirmed it was investigating the potential illegal dumping of construction waste as the site.
A 39-year-old Lara man and 37-year-old Bell Post Hill man were arrested at a Patullos Rd premises in Lara about 12.30pm yesterday.
Emergency services had attended the property four times in the 24 hours to Sunday morning in response to reports of fires.
Police believe the blazes were deliberately lit, Victoria Police spokeswoman Scout Rigoni said.
Concerned Lara residents yesterday said that large piles of waste had been accumulating at the Patullos Rd premises for months and that the fires created a “disgusting smell”.
Sources alleged the site was being used as an illegal dump by a bin-hire company.
Rubbish ranging from construction waste to furniture, tyres and multiple matresses can be seen at the property.
EPA State Duty Officer Helen Hodgkins confirmed the authority was investigating illegal dumping of construction waste at a residential property in Lara.
“EPA officers have previously attended the property and an officer attended again on Sunday following a fire,” Ms Hodgkins said.
“With all construction waste, asbestos is a potential risk and EPA is ensuring it is managed appropriately.
“EPA takes illegal dumping very seriously and if environmental offences have occurred EPA will not hesitate to take action in line with the compliance and enforcement policy.”
City of Greater Geelong planning, design and development director Gareth Smith said the council was aware of the rubbish at the property and had been working with the tenant and the EPA to have the site cleared.
“On 15 October, we issued a formal letter to the tenant requesting that the land be cleared and that no further waste be taken there,” he said.
“Should the tenant fail to take the action required, we would consider seeking an enforcement order at VCAT.
“In the meantime, we will monitor the site and ensure that any further material is not taken there.”
No one was injured during the fires and the police investigation remains ongoing.
The two men were late yesterday in custody assisting police with their inquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.