An abandoned petrol station in the heart of Moe has been labelled a disgraceful eye sore with The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, Moe residents and Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson coming together to demand action.
Ms Bath said she raised the issue with Labor’s Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll during state parliament last week site requesting the Andrews Government rehabilitate the derelict and contaminated site.
In raising the issue in state parliament Ms Bath said she had received complaints from Moe residents concerned that the abandoned petrol station was negatively impacting the town’s safety and amenity.
“The old petrol station is in a prominent position on Lloyd street Moe, near the train station and it’s one of the first things you notice when travelling in and out of town,” said Ms Bath.
“Residents want to see the revitalisation of Lloyd street, yet the Andrews Government seems content to allow the contaminated site complete with temporary fencing, grass and weeds to sit idle.
“It’s not a good look for the town and it’s upsetting residents and local business owners who take pride in their local neighbourhood.”
The land is owned by the state government (Vic Track) but is held under lease by a Queensland company. While the underground petrol tanks have been removed, no further remedial works have been undertaken to address the site contamination.
Ms Bath said it is not good enough that as the ultimate landlord, the Andrews Government has neglected and abandoned the site.
“The area needs to be rehabilitated and repurposed so that it’s both safe and useable,” Ms Bath said.
“Moe residents want the area cleaned up and turned into a useable asset that is line with the community’s vision for the town rather than undermining it.
“While investigating community complaints, I became aware Latrobe City Council had also requested action on this eyesore.
“Minister Caroll must commit to undertaking consultation with the community and Latrobe City Council on the rehabilitation of the site and plan the best use for the space.
“The community has suggested it’s a perfect location to construct new parking space for the town to encourage people to the better access the Lloyd street shopping strip and the rail service.
“The Andrews Government has a responsibility to ensure the lessee meets its obligations to rehabilitate the site, otherwise action it themselves and return the land safely to the community,” Ms Bath said.
