Wakool Landfill site will permanently close from July

Wakool Landfill site will permanently close from July

Published on 24 May 2024

Muray River Council will be closing the Wakool Landfill site, effective July 1 2024.

The decision follows a review of Council's waste and resource recovery facilities; looking at operational and resourcing costs, community use, environmental impacts and other options available to users.

The landfill site will remain operational until close of business Sunday 30 June 2024, with total closure taking effect from July 1.

Director Planning and Environment, Rod Croft said Council has reviewed site usage over the 2022 and 2023 years and that the decision considers operational costs and rehabilitation expenses.

"The data for Wakool demonstrates the site has very little use with a high operational cost."

"On average, in the previous two years the site has serviced 1.89 visits per opening day, an average of 5 items dropped off, and total income of $2,900 per annum. It also costs $30,500 per annum to operate and that excludes any capital costs or major maintenance required."

"Furthermore, to meet the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, the site would require full rehabilitation and upgrading to a Waste and Resource Recovery Facility at an approximate cost of $1.5million to develop a fully compliant site."

"These costs, coupled with the sparse customer base and minimal income generated, mean any upgrades would offer little value-for-money to ratepayers," he said.

Whilst the site at Wakool will be permanently closing, Council is reminding residents of the availability of Barham's Waste and Resource Recovery Facility, which offers more options for waste and recycling disposal.

While general waste drop-offs at Transfer Stations incur fees, items including scrap metal, cardboard, mixed recyclables, Ewaste, and motor oil, can be deposited for free.

The closure of the Wakool site will correlate with an extension of the hours at the Barham Facility - with 9-5 opening hours on both Wednesdays and Sundays - along with future rehabilitation works at the site for improved servicing and resource recovery.

Mr Croft said Council acknowledged it would be a change for some customers.

"Whilst we understand this a change to a long-standing facility, we appreciate the community's understanding as we strive for more sustainable and efficient waste management options."

Those needing to discuss their waste disposal options can contact council's Waste Team on 1300 087 004 during business hours.

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