In a critical move to address ongoing environmental concerns in Michelago, the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) passed a motion on March 20, 2025, seeking an independent audit into allegations of soil and water contamination affecting the Badrock family and surrounding community. The motion, introduced by Councillor Williamson, aims to shed light on a contentious issue that has persisted for three years, involving alleged unapproved waste dumping at a property in Michelago.
PHOTO: Michelago residents turned up in numbers to the March 20, Council meeting CREDIT: SMRC
Mathew Badrock delivered an impassioned speech at the council meeting, describing the unresolved situation affecting his family’s land. “It’s shocking,” he declared, revealing the alleged issues of asbestos contamination and sediment run-off from a neighbouring site. Despite providing evidence to the council, Mr Badrock expressed frustration at the lack of resolution.
Councillor Williamson’s motion called for collaboration with Safework NSW and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The property’s misuse was publicised by its owner on social media, contradicting its development approval (DA) according to Councillor Williamson, who further noted during a La Niña event, this misuse led to water contamination affecting nearby properties, which has ignited community outrage.
“We need to get to the bottom of why this has not been investigated,” emphasised Councillor Williamson. “The community in Michelago is rightly outraged. They are concerned for their health… and for the health of their environment. Why the EPA say they haven’t been involved, and why no action is being taken.”
PHOTO: Councillor Luke Williamson
Councillor Higgins took an opportunity to remind councillors, the issues experienced were a result of the situation being legal under the LEP at the time, saying, “The problem was that it was at office of discretion where the people were let know, that was just a decision that was again, allowable. We have actually now changed that in our community consultation plan, so that can’t happen again.”
“This didn’t come to council, but we must get an outcome, and we need it as fast as we can.”
Councillor Davis echoed the call for a thorough investigation, highlighting the importance of resolving this longstanding issue. “It’s really important that we have a really good process to actually get closure to this issue,” she stated.
The motion, amended to include seeking legal advice from an environmental law firm and a direction to the CEO to appoint new staff for auditing oversight, underscores the lengthy process of debate that took place.
SMRC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Dunshea assured the community of ongoing efforts to address the issue saying,
“If there’s another set of eyes come in and they can provide some legal advice or advice through an audit process, then we would welcome that absolute assurance, given that work is being done, and has been done to investigate this matter.”
PHOTO: SMRC CEO – Stephen Dunshea.
An email from the EPA sighted by Mr Dunshea reiterated its stance, stating, “We have previously let the complainant know that this is an ongoing Council matter and that the EPA has no regulatory authority in relation to this.”
Despite some councillors opining for a more straightforward approach, the motion was passed with a majority vote, marking a pivotal step towards resolving the environmental and health concerns that have plagued the Michelago community for years.