Casey residents can breathe a collective sigh of relief – VCAT has upheld a decision to deny a contentious waste-transfer station in Hampton Park. Residents didn’t want it, the EPA rejected it and local Member Rachel Payne stood with residents to fight against it. Veolia fought all the way to VCAT, but they lost!
Waste multinational Veolia has a poor track record. They received a $1 million slap on the wrist just last year for breaching their operating licence and General Environmental Duty (GED) after a “significant volume” of complaints reported odour from the existing Hallam Road landfill. When news broke of the new Hampton Park WTS proposal, residents knew something wasn’t right. The EPA received 751 community submissions opposing it. A passionate community campaign was spearheaded by local groups – the Lynbrook Residents Association and Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA.)
We are thrilled that the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has listened to locals and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and upheld the EPA’s April 2025 determination of “unacceptable noise and odour risk” of the proposed Hampton Park waste-transfer station (WTS). The development would have seen 550,000 tonnes of waste per year processed at the current landfill site in Hampton Park. This is within around 200 metres from homes. VCAT was not satisfied that environmental and health risks of the WTS would be mitigated and rejected the proposal on the 10th of April.
“This decision is a major win for our community and validates the EPA’s original decision to refuse this proposal,” said CRRA President Anthony Tassone. “We are not against waste infrastructure,” Mr Tassone said. “But it must be done properly, with the right planning, clear separation from homes, and genuine engagement with the community from the outset.”
South-East MP Rachel Payne stood with residents every step of the way. Rachel championed and supported the campaign, met with residents, attended events, advocated in the media, and elevated community concerns to parliament on several occasions. In May, she called on the government to uphold the EPA’s original decision to reject the WTS.
“This proposed WTS is simply not appropriate for a residential area. It is not okay to dump half a million tonnes of waste into people’s back yards.” Rachel has applauded her community for their advocacy. “It has been a privilege to work with these community groups on the campaign.”
At a time when many people feel helpless about the environment, the power of multinationals and the political system, this is a real win for locals and we welcome it wholeheartedly. Waste management must be done properly and in the best interests of the community, not companies.
Published 15th of April 2026.
Related:
- Hampton Park waste transfer station proposal ‘a load of rubbish’ – Rachel Payne
- Decision to deny Hampton Park waste transfer station must be upheld – Rachel Payne
- LCV MP welcomes EPA decision not to support Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station – Rachel Payne
- Truck traffic from proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station – Rachel Payne
- Hampton Park waste transfer station proposal – Rachel Payne
