Update: 31 July 2023
What is happening with the environmental contamination clean-up of the vacant land where the corrugated iron brick pressing shed and brick steam engine house were located?
The landowner has advised that the exposed soil areas were sealed with a geofabric membrane and a surface layer of crushed rock in July 2022, to prevent dust generation and manage surface water to address potential safety concerns
The EPA has issued a notice to the landowner that requires them to implement remediation and monitoring requirements. These are specified in an auditor-verified clean-up plan.
The landowner will be progressing clean up, associated with further groundwater monitoring. They will also be undertaking pilot remediation trials. These will inform the future environmental audit. These actions are expected to conclude in September 2024 and are not expected to cause significant disruption.
How can residents be assured that the clean-up work will be carried out safely?
The Clean Up Plan is being implemented by a qualified environmental contamination consultant commissioned by the landowner. This is a requirement of the Environmental Action Notice issued by the EPA.
What is the timing on the redevelopment of the site, what is being considered and when will residents be consulted?
No applications for planning approvals from Council or permits from Heritage Victoria have been submitted or presented for discussion in the last 18 months. The timing for redevelopment is unknown.
What has happened to the brick making machinery that was on the site?
The machinery from Hoffman Brickworks was removed in accordance with a permit issued by Heritage Victoria in 2021. Heritage Victoria are aware of the off-site locations where the machinery and other heritage fabric is stored.
The machinery is an important part of the heritage significance of the site and must be conserved and returned to site in accordance with the Heritage Victoria permit.
What is happening with the heritage repair works to the historic chimney?
On 2 June 2023 Heritage Victoria issued an enforcement order which requires the landowners to undertake repair works to the chimney. The order offers two options:
- Dismantling and reconstructing the top part of the chimney, repointing, and reinstatement of steel bands and lightning conductor.
- Stabilising and repairing the brickwork, with a plan to do this provided to Heritage Victoria for endorsement before 3 July 2023, plus the reinstatement of steel bands and lightning conductor.
Heritage Victoria is currently reviewing the repair plan provided by the landowner.
When will the heritage chimney be made safe?
All repair works required under the order must be completed by 2 June 2024, unless Heritage Victoria extends the timeframe.
Update: 28 June 2022
Former Steam Engine House demolished following Heritage Victoria approval
In January 2022 Heritage Victoria (HV) granted permission for the demolition of the former Steam Engine House building located on the corner of Brickworks Drive and Dawson Street. The building has been subsequently demolished.
Heritage Victoria requires the owner store the heritage machinery and equipment offsite, for conservation and eventual replacement back on site when the site is redeveloped. A $100,000 bond has been paid to Heritage Victoria in relation to this matter. Some of the equipment has been stored in two offsite warehouses with the remaining equipment to follow. Any redevelopment of the site will require a planning permit from Council. This process will include public notification and consideration of community submissions.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requires the owner address contamination on the site. The process of site remediation can take time, with an Environmental Audit report due to the EPA by March 2024. The Audit Report is required before the land can be remediated.
In relation to the freestanding chimney, scaffolding has enabled a closer examination of the structure. Council in collaboration with Heritage Victoria are currently determining the scope of works to stabilise and make the structure safe.
Photo: Free-standing chimney
Update: 5 January 2022
Owner applies to Heritage Victoria to demolish the former Steam Engine House
Council has objected to an application before Heritage Victoria (HV) to demolish the former Steam Engine House building located on the corner of Brickworks Drive and Dawson Street. Unlike the former Corrugated Iron Shed that is currently being demolished due to an Emergency Order related to public safety, the Steam Engine House was made stable in 2020.
Heritage Victoria is responsible for community notification of the application which included notices on site. Unfortunately, there are no appeal rights for Council or the community, should HV support the application.
