Across Australia, new petrol stations arebeing approved just metres from family homes, schools and aged-care facilities, despite growing evidence of health and safety risks. This page tracks potentially hazardous developments based on research linking petrol stations to cancer risks and respiratory illnesses.
Fuel Station Planned at 182-186 Princes St, Traralgon
When KPD Developments Pty Ltd lodged plans for a 24-hour petrol station at 182-186 Princes Street, local residents spoke up. Citing concerns for public health and the amenity of the area, Latrobe City Council voted to refuse the permit.
Developer James Ernest Spencer Lamb (also behind Alliance Fuel Card) appealed. In October 2024 VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) overturned the council’s decision, granting approval despite the community’s concerns and council planners’ own recommendation to refuse.
The result: a servo metres away from family homes along Armstrong Court and right next door to the sick and vulnarable animals at Latrobe Veterinary Group.
Latrobe City did the right thing and listened to its residents. VCAT overruled them. Approving a high-volume petrol station virtually on property lines runs counter to global health standards and common sense. Traralgon already meets local fuel demand, this project offers no essential service, only unnecessary risk.
Join us in demanding a mandatory 50-metre safety buffer for all new fuel stations and a reversal of this short-sighted decision.
If you’re aware of a new service station proposal that puts your community at risk, email us at contact@safeseparations.org with the location, developer name and any council references you have. Let’s work together to keep families safe.