Warrandyte residents raise concerns over petrol sales at former service station

SHAUN CAMPBELLMANNINGHAM
OCTOBER 03, 2013
LEADER

Warrandyte residents have raised safety fears after a petrol company sold fuel using a cash register on a garbage bin near the bowsers.

WARRANDYTE residents have raised safety fears after a petrol company sold fuel from a former service station using a cash register on a rubbish bin.

Rob Nabben said he noticed United Petroleum contractors installing bowsers at 44-46 Yarra St – which is currently leased by Warrandyte Auto Electrics – last Friday.

Mr Nabben said a staff member set up a cash register on a wheelie bin the next day outside the building, which is where the fuel company wants to build a $1.5 million petrol station.

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He said the man sold petrol – stored in underground tanks – to customers using a cash register on a rubbish bin until a Manningham Council officer stopped him on Monday morning.

The Brackenbury St resident, who bought one litre of petrol from the man, said there were safety concerns as the site had not been used as a service station for several years.

“I am sure there is a long list of safety procedures that must be followed at a petrol station and I can’t see how one guy sitting outside can enact any of them,” Mr Nabben said.

“For example, if the place catches fire or something goes wrong, does he have access to a hose?”

United Petroleum’s proposal for the petrol station – which involves demolishing the existing station, significant earthworks, tree removal and road alterations – received 99 objections because of issues including noise, traffic and loss of amenity after it was submitted to the council last year.

Manningham chief executive Joe Carbone said the planning application was on hold at the company’s request so it could negotiate with VicRoads and review feedback from council officers.

Mr Carbone confirmed the council had received complaints about works being carried out on the site and was making inquiries.

“We received complaints on Monday and we are still in the early stages of pursuing these complaints,” Mr Carbone said.

Warrandyte Auto Electrics owner Cameron Guymer declined to comment.

The Manningham Leader has contacted United Petroleum.