General News
9 July, 2021
Council reclaims waste management and contract
Waste management is an expensive exercise for any local government region. The expense connected with collection as well as disposal can prove to be a burden upon Council coffers.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council will resume the management of their landfills, transfer stations and weighbridges effective August 1, 2021.
In addition to the management of transfer stations, Council will manage the receipt and transportation of wet waste to a landfill outside of their region, saving contractor fees and allowing the organisation to adjust service levels more effectively to community needs.
Waste management is the third most expensive operational service, costing approximately $8.8 million per year to the ratepayer. By bringing waste management in-house, by the second year of operation, the Council is expecting to save ratepayers money in disposal fees and levies.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said with 100% of control over our waste facilities we can reduce operating costs and implement new practices that improve the service we are offering to the community.
“As Council brings waste management in-house, all facilities will experience a change in operating hours, with some of the transfer stations being open on more days and for longer hours.
“There are future plans to automate the Bells Creek and Cardwell Facilities with these changes to be announced in the coming months.
“The Mission Beach Transfer Station will receive a facility upgrade and expansion, totalling over $900K. The upgrades include increase in size, the usability and safety of the site will improve, current tip shop will be expanded and improved and there will be a dedicated area for drop off of recyclables.
“To increase the capacity of the landfill site, Stoters Hill Landfill will undergo civil works valued at $1.9M,” said Mayor Nolan.
Chair of Waste Management and Innovation Councillor Teresa Millwood said Council has a strong stance towards waste avoidance and is continuing to improve the educational programs and community participation.
“Council is committed to reducing waste from entering landfill and will continue to implement educational strategies that encourage recycling, reusing and composting.
“To encourage recycling, the Tully Waste Transfer Station will receive an upgrade to the recycling area totalling $50K. Residents will have a designated area to separate waste (steel/cardboard) directly near the wet waste floor. This will improve functionality and make it easier for residents to make environmentally friendly decisions.
“The public can play a strong part in the reduction of waste and CCRC hopes that through continued education, focused on shifting habits, we can reduce landfill in 2021-2022,” said Councillor Millwood.
To find out more about changes to waste in 2021-2022 visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/waste-management or call Council on 1300 763 903.
