Supreme Court Action: Hume City Council V Minister for Planning

Published on 17 February 2022

The Supreme Court of Victoria has confirmed that the matter between Hume City Council and the Minister for Planning will be heard via Zoom on Wednesday 23 February 2022.

Hume City Council is taking legal action against the Minister for Planning on behalf of the community in relation to the decision of the Minister to adopt and approve Amendment C248 to the Hume Planning Scheme.

This amendment facilitatesthe Hi-Quality facility in Bulla to store, test and dispose of contaminated spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Members of the public who wish to view the hearing online must email the Supreme Court Registry in advance of the first hearing day notifying the Court of their intention to observe and provide a reason for the request.

Requests to the Supreme Court Registry can be made via email vcplist@supcourt.vic.gov.au referring to the proceeding number (S ECI 2021 01801).

Similarly, members of the public who wish to inspect documents relating to the proceeding must make a formal application to search the court file through the Court’s filing system, RedCrest.

The cost of doing so is for a corporate entity ($73.60), a natural person ($36.10) and a concession card holder ($18.00).

Quotes attributable to Hume City Council Mayor, Councillor Carly Moore

“The Minister for Planning’s decision to approve an application that facilitates the transfer of toxic spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project to the Hi-Quality facility in Bulla has devastated our community.

Over recent months, we have continued to raise with the Victorian Government the concerns of both Council and the community the impact this decision will have, including on local roads that are already under significant stress.

The Supreme Court hearing is the community’s opportunity for the Court to determine the legality of the Minister’s decision."

To view the hearing:

Any person who wishes to observe the hearing must email the Supreme Court Registry in advance of the first day notifying the Court of their intention to observe and providing a reason for the request. To do this, email vcplist@supcourt.vic.gov.au referring to the proceeding number (S ECI 2021 01801).

The relevant judicial officer will make a determination and will provide the hearing log in details to the person if it is deemed appropriate.

Public who seek to join the hearing on the day without having given prior notice, will not be given access.