Let's Talk Rubbish! Help us redesign our waste services

Background:

Following the closure of the Waste Transfer Station (WTS) in October 2023 and feedback from consultants on its remediation, along with the interim green and bulk waste services provided so far, it’s now time to make important long-term decisions about the future of waste services in the Shire.

The WTS was formerly a landfill site and was not originally designed for waste and recycling operations, which continued to grow in popularity. An increase in population and a lack of volume limits accepted by the facility are factors which need to be considered when designing the future of the site.

In June 2023, Council had received consultant recommendations on how to improve the safety, services, and efficiencies of the WTS site.

Based on these recommendations and the site restrictions for the Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Rehabilitation Area, two redesign options were presented to Council in August 2024. Full information related to that report can be found here, for context around the complexity of the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station and managing operational wastes.

The associated costs of remediating and reopening the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station are substantial and are estimated to cost around $8 million dollars depending on the options chosen.

Since these costs would need to be passed on to residents, Council resolved to seek feedback from the community on usage habits and preferred options for the future of waste services in the Shire.

It is important for residents to note that if a redesign of the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station goes ahead, the rehabilitation works and redesign will take at least 2 years to complete.

How to have your say

To make an informed decision, please review the introductory information and ensure you understand the cost implications related to the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station.

Have your say by:

• Filling out a survey
• Providing feedback (open comment box below)
• Asking a question (open comment box below)
• Completing a hard copy survey at the Shire Administration, the Byford library, or the Mobile Library van.

What we’re asking from you

You’ll be asked to provide feedback on:

• The future of the bookable hard waste collection service
• The future of the kerbside green waste collection service
• Whether you would prefer the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station to reopen, noting the associated costs, and in what capacity you would use the facility
• Your interest in receiving a rebate for a home composting system in lieu of FOGO not being introduced.

All residents and ratepayers within the Shire are being given the opportunity to participate in this survey. All residents will receive communication in their mailboxes advising them of the survey and encouraging them to provide feedback.

The community engagement campaign will run from Friday 4^th October until Monday 18^th November 2024. The engagement will be conducted by independent research firm, Metrix, who will analyse results and compile a report with the findings.

This will assist Council in determining, the future of the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station, bookable hard waste collection services and the scheduled green waste collection services. A report will go to Council in February 2025.

Consultation closes Monday, 18 November at 4pm.