VCAT orders halt illegal earthworks on Sunbury properties
Published on 01 December 2025
Following action by Hume City Council, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has issued Enforcement Orders in response to illegal earthworks on properties at 370A Riddell Road and 430 Riddell Road, Sunbury. Hume City Council took this action because the works did not follow the Hume Planning Scheme, which sets rules to protect the environment and community.
Why are these Enforcement Orders important?
These new Enforcement Orders follow, and are consistent with, the Enforcement Order issued by VCAT in October 2025 in relation to unlawful earthworks undertaken at 370 Riddell Road, Sunbury. They will enable Council to effectively monitor and, where necessary, enforce compliance with the Hume Planning Scheme over all three sites moving forward.
What do the Enforcement Orders say?
No more earthworks or adding fill can happen at these properties unless:
- Council approves detailed plans explaining why and how the work will be done, or
- A planning permit is granted.
This means any future earthworks must be substantiated and, ultimately, approved by Council before they take place.
Council will continue to monitor the sites to ensure compliance with these Orders, to ensure that there are no further impacts on the environment and community.
Council thanks local residents for their vigilance and patience in ensuring that this matter could be brought to order. The Enforcement Orders will ensure ongoing compliance with the Hume Planning Scheme and are a fantastic result for the community.
Riddell Road Update as at 27 January 2026:
This is a community update regarding the above matter to ensure our community remains informed throughout the ongoing process.
While the matter is currently progressing through the VCAT process in accordance with the prescribed VCAT timeframes, we continue to monitor the property for compliance-related issues.
Our ongoing compliance monitoring is to ensure that the site remains consistent with relevant VCAT Orders and regulatory requirements during this period.
While Council is guided by the legislation and processes of VCAT, we wish to inform the residents of Riddell Rd that feedback and information regarding this matter is always welcomed and encouraged.
We would like to thank the Sunbury community and the residents of Canterbury Avenue for their assistance.