Planning decisions in Victoria and Western Australia face local opposition

In Victoria, the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, has refused an application to expand an existing quarry in Langwarrin. The proposal sought to extend operations onto green wedge land on Valley Road, which local residents and community groups have long opposed. Critics argued the expansion would damage a recognized wildlife corridor connecting The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve with the Cranbourne Botanical Gardens.

In Western Australia, the WA Planning Commission has voted to lift planning restrictions on a 1,810sqm site in Clarkson, despite opposition from the Department of Health. A 110sqm portion of the land falls within the active 500m buffer zone of the Tamala Park landfill. While health officials raised concerns regarding landfill gas, groundwater migration, and mosquitoes, planning officers stated that contamination risks are “manageable and acceptable,” noting that the landfill is scheduled to cease operations in 2029.