Churchill Hotel bonfire burns $10,000

EPA Victoria has fined a Traralgon company $10,176 for burning construction and demolition waste at the site of the former Churchill Hotel in April 2026.

EPA officers fined Minster Constructions Pty Ltd for depositing more than 1,000 litres of construction and demolition waste by burning, at 3 Balfour Place, Churchill.

They were responding to an anonymous call from a member of the public, who reported that a bonfire started on the site on 27 April and was still smouldering. Documents from the CFA have confirmed there was burning material on the site for five days.

The officers noted that the burning waste had the appearance of debris from the demolished hotel, including plastics and old lino flooring. They also observed a burn pile including green waste, bricks, glass, metal, wooden frames and aluminium. There were no skip bins for waste disposal on the premises.

EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Jessica Bandiera says burning waste like this does not really get rid of it.

“Setting fire to construction and demolition waste can contaminate the soil, then the next rain takes the contamination to the nearest waterway. The smoke can cause odour and potentially affect people’s health,” Ms Bandiera said.

“If you're questioning whether you can burn certain things, chances are you can't. It is unlawful to dispose of industrial waste by burning, and you still wind up with visible residue. Any passing member of the public can see what you’re doing and report it to EPA,” she said.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution