News

McCurdy appalled by EPA at North Wang oval

Monday 21 May 2018

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has criticised the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) handling of the North Wangaratta Football and Netball Club ground clean up.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Mr McCurdy said he wanted to put on record the disgraceful way the EPA in Wangaratta had handled the lead contamination site.

“The North Wangaratta Football and Netball Club was ejected from its premises in August 2015 due to a small portion of the football ground having lead contamination,” Mr McCurdy told Parliament.

“The lack of urgency and the lack of respect for this great community club shows the EPA is well out of touch with expectations of today.”

Mr McCurdy said the club would not play on its ground again this season and it would be the 2019 season before it did.

“This is appalling, and the EPA should be embarrassed by its tardiness,” he said.

“If they cannot improve on their time frames in the future, they should be closed down and environmental decisions outsourced.

“I am not disputing the actions required, but I am critical of the time lines involved.

“Community clubs rely on volunteers, and this ground being out of action for nearly three years now has put pressure on surrounding clubs.”

Mr McCurdy thanked the Wangaratta Rovers, Wangaratta Magpies and all of the clubs who had assisted North Wangaratta.

“Country communities know how to help each other.”