Residents have criticised Wyndham council for its “pathetic” response to a petition calling for the Wests Road landfill to be kept at ground level.
More than 2200 people signed the petition, which was presented to September’s council meeting.
On Monday night, councillors voted to include concerns raised by the petitioners on the agenda for the tip’s community reference group, which is yet to be established.
The council will also send a ‘‘frequently asked questions’’ sheet to everyone who signed the petition.
Western Region Environment Centre director Harry van Moorst said the council had failed to address the concerns of residents.
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He said opponents of the landfill’s expansion believed the council was using the creation of the community reference group to avoid discussing the issue.
Residents have until Thursday to register their interest in being part of the advisory group, which will provide advice on the site’s future.
Mr van Moorst said he objected to the council sending a generic response to residents who signed the petition.
“We have put in a request asking for our position to be put as well, if they are using ratepayers’ money to mail 2200 people,” he said.
Cr Bob Fairclough said he wanted to reassure everyone who signed the petition that their concerns had been taken seriously. “We have given considerable attention to this issue,” he said.
Cr Fairclough also reassured residents the tip would not exceed 24 metres above ground, despite mayor Heather Marcus recently saying the council would consider a number of scenarios, including lowering the cells, maintaining the current height or fixing the tip at 45 metres above ground.
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