Australian Native Landscapes, operators of the Maroondah Highway facility, want a five-month extension to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal's deadline (January 25) to clear all composting materials from the site.

In line with VCAT's decision the site stopped receiving compost material from October 25.

Cathy Butler, a Mooroolbark resident forced out of Coldstream by the smell, is amazed it has dragged on for so long.

"I'm amazed at the process, they keep moving the goalposts and every time it gets pushed back. It's groundhog day - we're going over the same stuff - it still stinks. Five months [June 25] is a long time to be cleaning up that site."

Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said he sympathised with residents.

"It's dragged on far too long...bloody disgusting. They've failed miserably for 3 1/2 years to get it right.

"People can't open doors and windows on bad days - it's like they're captive in their own homes."

The VCAT hearing was held yesterday at 10am.

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