Work has begun to prepare the old Castlemaine gasworks site for a proposed new Woolworths supermarket.
Four Lantrak trucks have removed two mounds of soil from the Lascorp Investment Group site on Duke Street.
The activity sparked intense debate on local social media site Castlemania as some community members welcomed the beginning of works while others raised concerns about potential contamination of the soil.
One local objector and business person has been vocal about the toxic nature of gasworks sites and several other community members voiced concerns that the site should be cleaned up and the soil managed appropriately. Others argued the new supermarket would see all surfaces sealed – a welcome result for the neighbouring school and wider community.
One resident claimed the soil had previously been removed and dumped in local bushland by another contractor before being spotted by a neighbour and ordered back to the site by the Environment Protection Authority.
An EPA spokesperson told the Express it was aware of the Duke Street site, and the developers understood their obligations to be compliant with the Environment Protection Act.
“Work to remove soil from the site must also comply with the regulations and the soil taken to a facility licensed to accept it,” the EPA spokesperson said.
“EPA uses the online Wastetracker system to ensure that is happening.”
Earlier this year, a spokesperson from Lascorp Investment Group assured residents the soil on the former gasworks site would “be dealt with according to its classification and if required will be removed and taken to disposal facilities in Melbourne”.
A Lascorp spokesperson told the Express that Lantrak was engaged to assist with managing the removal of some stockpiles on site in preparation for the development.
“All soils have been classified by an independent environmental consultant and taken to a licensed EPA receiving facility,” the spokesperson said.
“Pre-commencement and preparatory activities are well advanced in the lead up to commencing the works on site.
“We are looking forward to the commencement of this exciting development to deliver for Castlemaine and surrounding areas a first-class supermarket and retail experience, inclusive of upgrades to public roads and park area.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council had originally granted a permit for a smaller 1500m2 supermarket development – a potential Aldi store – and two specialty shops at the site in April 2018. However, the developer then submitted plans for a 3300m2 supermarket to cater to a larger Woolworths store layout.
The developer took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal when council failed to make a determination on the new permit in the prescribed time. Council later voted against supporting the larger supermarket.
In December, VCAT set aside council’s decision, paving the way for the Woolworths store subject to a lengthy list of conditions.
Lascorp has stated that once the permit process is completed, a builder appointed and the project begins, the build itself should only take between 10-12 months to complete.
A council spokesperson said council had not yet received any notification of a building permit being issued for the supermarket site.
“The developer is preparing documentation to meet the conditions of the planning permit,” the spokesperson said.
