Our purpose
We want decisions about potentially hazardous development to put prevention first. Our current campaign focuses on retail petrol stations and sensitive land uses: homes, schools, childcare centres, hospitals, aged care and comparable places where people spend long periods or may be especially vulnerable.
We are seeking mandatory separation, backed by effective emission controls, competent assessment and continuing compliance. The first priority is a workable Victorian reform package. A national approach should then build on common evidence, definitions and assessment methods while respecting each jurisdiction's planning system.
What we are asking government to do
- Establish a binding minimum separation for covered new developments.
- Protect existing and approved sensitive uses, and address new sensitive development near existing or approved stations.
- Assess material expansions and operational changes that increase emissions or exposure.
- Require greater protection where throughput, operating hours, local conditions or cumulative sources warrant it.
- Make maintenance, testing, records and responses to equipment faults part of continuing obligations.
How we work
We translate research and official guidance into public information and policy proposals. We distinguish findings from advocacy judgments, link our sources and correct material errors. We seek contributions from people with relevant scientific, planning and operational knowledge.
Our evidence review is an advocacy-led desk review, supported by AI-assisted research and drafting. It has not completed independent scientific or legal review. Those limits are explained in the research methods. They do not prevent us from making a transparent case for stronger planning protections.
A constructive approach to change
The campaign focuses on decisions about new development and material changes. It is not a call to relocate households or automatically close every existing station. Existing sites still need appropriate controls, investigation of problems and compliance with their obligations.
We welcome evidence, corrections and practical input. Supplying information does not imply an endorsement of the campaign, and we do not present unanswered requests as evidence for our position.
Get in touch
For research contributions, policy enquiries or media requests, email contact@safeseparations.org. Please identify the source and date when suggesting a factual correction.