Statement from the Mayor on Canterbury Avenue, Sunbury

At the meeting of Council on Monday 22 September I stood with the residents of Canterbury Hills Estate to condemn the use of Canterbury Avenue as a truck thoroughfare.  

It is my belief that these residents are living through an issue no neighbourhood should have to endure.  

The ongoing negative impacts to community members’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing as the result of truck movement is unacceptable.  

It is not just physical assets being put under daily stress, it’s general safety and quality of life that are being lost under the weight of this issue.  

I want to thank those in the community who have stepped up to have their voices heard, ensuring the message was too loud to be ignored.  

We share the community’s justified frustration and stand with them in saying enough is enough.  

The operators behind these trucks have been acting in bad faith under the law, destroying the community around them through their actions.  

Council has formed the view that the ongoing earthworks are being conducted in contravention of the Hume Planning Scheme. Council is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of the environment and the local community and recognises serious risk posed by continued unauthorised activity and increased truck movements in the area.   

To address these concerns, Council has commenced proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) seeking both an interim enforcement order and enforcement order under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.  

VCAT has listed Council’s application for interim enforcement order for hearing in mid-October 2025. We have asked VCAT for a hearing as soon as possible and stand ready to go to a moderated hearing if the tribunal is able. 

On top of these independent investigations, Hume City Council has learnt important lessons about how we can better respond to issues of this nature. We will also take these learnings to the state government so we can seek to change the legislation that prevents us from taking action against illegitimate activity in our city.  

We hope by doing this all councils will be given the power to act in these situations, which are unfortunately not an issue unique to Hume.  

We support the people of Canterbury Hills Estate and will not stop until a satisfactory resolution is achieved.