The Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils (Hunter JO) will employ a regional contaminated land specialist for the next three years, thanks for a state government grant.
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Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald joined Cessnock Mayor and Chair of the Hunter JO Bob Pynsent on Monday to announce $420,000 in funding under the government’s Council Regional Capacity Building Program.
Mr MacDonald said the funding would be a boon to tacking land contamination issues in Hunter JO’s member councils, Cessnock, Maitland, , Newcastle, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and MidCoast.
“This grant will enable Hunter Joint Organisation to employ a skilled contaminated land professional for up to three years,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Throughout that time, they will develop a contaminated land management policy framework, a register of contaminated sites and provide training on contaminated land management issues to the Hunter Joint Organisation.”
Mr MacDonald added that the appointment would provide a boon to member councils in dealing with such issues as historical underground fuel leaks or land formerly used for industrial activities.
Hunter JO member councils will also contribute $120,000 to the program.
Cr Pynsent welcomed the funding announcement.
“Funding will support the employment of a Regional Contaminated Land Specialist who will provide technical specialist support to councils over a three year period,” he said.
“This makes an important step in facilitating the effective handover of the Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) from the Environmental Protection Authority to councils.
“We look forward to significant future collaboration with the EPA and the NSW Government to ensure this regulatory transition is successful.”“We look forward to significant future collaboration with the EPA and the NSW Government to ensure this regulatory transition is successful.”
Under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 the EPA regulates contaminated land where the contamination is significant enough to warrant regulation. Contaminated land that is not regulated by the EPA is managed by local councils through land-use planning processes.
The EPA will continue as the appropriate regulatory authority for UPSS matters up to August 31, when councils will take over this role. The EPA will continue to work with councils to ensure integrated management and regulatory oversight of fuel handling and storage systems.