Auto business to move after years-long dust-up

By Sarah Schwager
AN Officer car parts business will move at the end of the month after years of complaints from the owners that dust from next door was ruining their livelihood.
Noble Park Auto Salvage’s Frank Lococo will retire from the industry, saying he is fed up with being ignored and after losing so many workers for health reasons.
Mr Lococo said he had complained to several organisations, including Cardinia Council, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and WorkSafe, about the dust spewing from neighbouring business Hy Gain Feeds.
His business now has until the end of the month to move out of the property after the lease expired and Hy Gain bought out the land.
Mr Lococo said the issue had been taken to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) a number of times.
“To me, nothing’s been done,” he said.
“I’d love to get a solicitor but I can’t afford it.”
But Cardinia Shire governance and communications manager Doug Evans said the council had sought enforcement through VCAT and an enforcement order was issued for Hy Gain to install new equipment in its stacks.
“Hy Gain was required to undertake certain works to their stacks,” Mr Evans said.
“An independent expert advised the works met all appropriate workplace standards.
“The work certainly complied with EPA standards.”
Mr Evans said it was also important to note the Noble Park Auto Salvage was in an industrial area.
But Mr Lococo said the dust issue had stopped investment opportunities, such as bringing on mechanics and panel beaters.
“My blokes left. They couldn’t handle it any more. Neither could I,” he aid.
Mr Lococo said his son, Frank Jnr, had left the family business due to sinus problems.
He said he had decided to pass the business, which would most likely be moving to Springvale, on to new owners after the land’s owners sold the property to Hy Gain.
Mr Lococo said many of the parts on the property would have to go to scrap after being ruined by the dust.
“I have to leave. I’m going insane,” he said.
“I don’t understand how a big company can destroy a little company and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
A Hy Gain spokesperson said the issue had been going on for many years.
“It’s gone to VCAT and the problem was solved,” she said.
“There’s not really anywhere else to go from there.”
Hy Gain did not comment on buying the land which houses Mr Lococo’s business.
EPA spokesperson Ruth Ward said the matter had been passed on to the local council, which had taken responsibility for the issue.
“We are happy to provide assistance to the council if it is required,” she said.