A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build a multi-million-dollar biodiesel factory at Levys Point near internationally-significant wetlands has been withdrawn.
Community groups which had united in a two-year battle against the proposal yesterday applauded the decision and hoped it would eventually be followed by relocating a rendering plant away from the environmentally-sensitive area.
However, their celebrations could be short-lived because Midfield Meat International yesterday indicated it had not buried the idea of expanding its facilities at Levys Point.
It had hoped to built the factory beside its rendering plant and process animal waste into low-pollution fuel for its trucking fleet and sales to the public.
The application triggered a wave of protests and lobbying to state and federal MPs and departments.
It also prompted nomination and listing on the international Grey Globe awards for inappropriate industrial developments because of the proximity to the Kelly's Swamp wetlands.
Merrivale Wetlands Protection Group leader Delia Crabb and Warrnambool Fly Fishing Club president Adrian Jacobs yesterday described the project withdrawal as a victory for commonsense.
They said the protest campaign was not against the concept of a biodiesel factory, but the siting and potential for major pollution.
