Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements grants awarded and project summaries

Stream 1 – Landfill consolidation

In the 2018 round (round 4) the Environmental Trust approved 27 grants, totalling $3,381,539.

Environmental improvements (stream 2)

Armidale Regional Council

Ben Lomond landfill closure and conversion to transfer station – $174,200

Armidale Regional Council is set to commission a new regional landfill in July 2019.  This is part of council’s strategy to improve environmental outcomes by converting and consolidating waste disposal facilities with the aim of diverting all residual waste to the new engineered landfill.  From July 2019 the Ben Lomond landfill will be the only remaining small rural landfill in the area.  Council’s intention is to close the Ben Lomond landfill and establish a transfer station.

Bellingen Shire Council

Dorrigo landfill closure and remediation – $200,000

The Dorrigo Waste Management Centre is a legacy landfill which is owned and operated by Bellingen Shire Council and takes approximately 200 tonnes of waste per year. This project will close and remediate the landfill section of the Dorrigo Waste Management Centre and extend the existing transfer station to maintain service to residents.

Edward River Council

Pretty Pine, Conargo rural landfills conversion to transfer stations – $200,000

Edward River Council has four remote non-staffed rural landfills which provide waste separation and disposal facilities for local farmers and nearby towns. The waste is placed in open trenches at the sites and buried when the trenches are full. The Pretty Pine and Conargo facilities are now exhausted.  This project will create secure transfer stations so that the waste can be placed directly into skips and from there be transferred to the licensed Deniliquin landfill. This grant will also fund better recycling signage and start the re-shaping and capping of the filled trenches.

Hilltops Council

Hilltops Consolidation 1 – Bribbaree, Koorawatha, Bendick Murrell – $187,300

Hilltops Council will close 3 unsupervised village landfills and establish 2 manned small vehicles transfer stations to provide waste and resource recovery services to remote and rural residents. The project will improve environmental impacts and amenity and provide increased opportunities for resource recovery. All materials will be diverted to the Young materials recovery facility or the regional landfill.

Hilltops Council

Hilltops Consolidation 2 – Reids Flat, Tubbul, Milvale, Rye Park – $192,749

Hilltops Council will close 4 unsupervised village landfills and establish 1 manned small vehicle transfer station to provide waste and resource recovery services to remote and rural residents. The project will improve environmental impacts and amenities and provide increased opportunities for resource recovery. All materials will be diverted to the Young materials recovery facility or the regional landfill.

Inverell Shire Council

Closure and rehabilitation of rural landfills – Inverell Local Government Area – $200,000

Inverell Shire Council operates 6 rural landfills and provides waste disposal options for rural residences. This project will provide full closure of two rural landfills, Gum Flat and Nullamanna. Project works will include initial cell closure and final capping using virgin or natural material.

Lithgow City Council

Closure of Cullen Bullen landfill – $197,800

The Cullen Bullen landfill has been the main local receptor for household waste for the nearby town for over 40 years.  Bathurst City Council will close and rehabilitate the site with a phytocap over disturbed areas. Residents will have continued access to waste disposal nine minutes to the south at the licensed facility of Portland, or 15 minutes to the north at Capertee.

Lithgow City Council

Closure of Glen Davis landfill – $105,050

The Glen Davis landfill has been the main local receptor for household waste for the nearby town since the 1930’s. Council will close and rehabilitate the site with a phytocap over disturbed areas. Residents will continue to have access to waste disposal with construction of a small transfer station.

Mid Coast Council

Stroud Community Recycling Centre and transfer station – $168,457

Council will redevelop Stroud landfill site into an all-weather Community Recycling Centre and waste transfer station. The facility will be designed to enhance the overall appearance of the site, provide a safe, user-friendly facility to better serve local community and encourage residents to divert, recover and recycle waste material. The dual outcome is to increase diversion rates whilst protecting the natural environment with the closure of the landfill. The redeveloped facility will form part of the Mid Coast Council waste network of Community Recycling Centres and waste transfer stations.

Parkes Shire Council

Gunningbland waste facility partial closure – partial closure – $124,715

Council's Gunningbland landfill covers a significant rural area with a relatively small catchment and a small village. This landfill is now overused and often a site used for dumping of unauthorised wastes. Council will enclose the large area of landfilled ground and undertake closure works including capping and grading, whilst improving the security of the site.

Tenterfield Shire Council

Torrington landfill closure and transfer station construction – $82,762

In 2008Tenterfield Shire Council adopted a waste strategy. In part, the strategic aim was to 'achieve improvements in reducing environmental harm caused by waste and to avoid the creation of waste', the strategy made key recommendations that included 'closing some smaller landfill sites'. This recommendation has largely been achieved and closing the Torrington landfill and constructing a transfer station will further eliminate environmental risks.

Upper Hunter Shire Council

Merriwa waste transfer station – $200,000

This project will see the construction of a waste transfer station at the Merriwa waste management facility and partial closure of the landfill. This will minimise landfilling at the site, enable future landfill closure, address environmental issues, reduce operating costs and provide improved customer experience.

Upper Hunter Shire Council

Murrurundi waste transfer station – $200,000

Council will construct a waste transfer station at the Murrurundi waste management facility and partially close the landfill. This will minimise landfilling at the site, enable future landfill closure, address environmental issues, reduce operating costs and provide an improved customer experience.

Bland Shire Council

Barmedman landfill improvements – $11,414

Bland Shire Council will improve the performance of Barmedman landfill by installing a permanent 3.5-metre litter fence to catch any airborne waste that may blow out of the landfill trench. This fence will be cleaned regularly, ensuring that surrounding properties and sensitive ecosystems are not affected by airborne litter.

Bourke Shire Council

Bourke waste facility environmental improvements – $17,875

A recent audit of the operations of the Bourke waste facility identified wind-blown litter as an issue emanating from the active tipping area. To counter this issue, a 2.7-metre litter fence, will be placed immediately adjacent to the active tipping area and the fencing will be capable of moving with the advancing tipping face.

Dungog Shire Council

Environmental improvements to Dungog waste management facility – $46,220

This project aims to improve the environmental performance of the Dungog waste management facility by sealing approximately 370 square metres of unsealed roadway.  When complete, the major trafficable areas of the site will be sealed (i.e. the approaches to the weigh bridge and the carpark) which will substantially minimise the current potential for erosion and sediment discharge to the storm-water collection system and the potential for air pollution from the premises.

Gilgandra Shire Council

Gilgandra waste facility: litter fencing – $14,064

Gilgandra Shire Council is excavating a new stage for the disposal of the Shire's non-recoverable waste materials. The excavation is significant in size and will provide landfilling capacity for the next 8 to 10 years. Funding will support the installation of a 3.6-metre high litter fence at the site. The Gilgandra waste facility is next to a cypress pine forest and Aboriginal controlled land, both of which contain important ecosystems that must be protected from degradation by windblown litter.

Leeton Shire Council

Whitton transfer station – $200,000

This project will see the establishment of a safe environmentally friendly waste transfer station to service Whitton residents. Council has designed the facility to minimise risk to staff and facility users. Whitton transfer station will ensure that waste is reduced, reused and recycled wherever possible. It will include covered lid skip bins, trees and shrubs around the site as windbreaks and prominent signage to ensure correct use of the facility. Other environmental aspects of the project are the control of stormwater runoff and the reduction of dust.

Parkes Shire Council

Small Towns waste facilities security improvements – $125,778

Parkes Shire Council has five small rural landfills and a transfer station which are increasingly being used to dispose of waste that should be disposed of to its licensed landfill. This grant will enable the Council to install smart locks to the existing fenced facilities and install real time and recorded surveillance cameras to minimise unlawful disposal. Gunningbland landfill will be fully fenced and Bogan Gate partially fenced.

Richmond Valley Council

Environmental and security improvements for operating landfill and transfer – $37,500

Environmental and security improvements will made at Nammoona and Evans Head facilities by installing and upgrading security fencing.

Tamworth Regional Council

Fencing improvements to Tamworth waste management facilities – $168,675

Council will undertake improvements to 4 of its rural waste management facilities by installing security fencing at Kootingal transfer station (TS), Nundle landfill, Bendemeer TS and Dungowan TS. The installation of security fencing will control unauthorised access to each site, prevent unlawful behaviour and deliver savings to the Council through reduced maintenance costs. It will also improve safety for staff at the remote facilities.

Tamworth Regional Council

Security improvements to Tamworth waste management facilities – $73,258

Tamworth Regional Council are proposing to undertake improvements to 5 of its rural waste management facilities by installing security cameras to a number of regional sites, those being Kootingal transfer station (TS), Nundle landfill, Watsons Creek TS, Bendemeer TS and Dungowan TS. The installation of the security cameras will assist to improve and control unauthorised access to each site, aid in the identification of unlawful behaviour (including scavenging or unauthorised access to sites when closed), represent savings to Council through reduced maintenance costs, and improve the safety for staff at the remote facilities.

Tenterfield Shire Council

Boonoo Boonoo landfill environmental improvements – $23,000

This project will see the clean-up and removal of unauthorised and illegally dumped difficult wastes at the Boonoo Boonoo landfill. The dumped waste is mainly made up of large bulky materials and may require special equipment to reduce it to manageable sizes. New signage will prevent it happening again in the future. The removal and burial of the unauthorised and illegally dumped bulky waste materials will reduce the fuel load in the event of a bushfire, will mitigate sediment run off and improve visual amenity.

Walgett Shire Council

Lightning Ridge landfill environmental improvements – $13,644

The Lightning Ridge landfill is undergoing a transformation with part of the site being closed from 1 July 2019. This part closure will use stockpiles of inert waste in combination with incoming general waste to achieve the desired result. The capped area will be rehabilitated. This project will deliver improved signage, safe storage of household wastes and litter fencing to improve environmental performance.

Walgett Shire Council

Recycling aggregation centre – $137,500

Council currently provides little in the way of household recycling. This project will establish a recycling aggregation centre at the Walgett waste facility to receive recyclables from residents and businesses. These recyclables will be segregated and stored for transportation to the materials recovery facility at Narrabri and Return and Earn bulk receival depot at Lightning Ridge. Walgett residents have expressed their desire for household recycling opportunities through their Council representatives.

Walgett Shire Council

Walgett waste facility environmental improvements – $123,920

Walgett Shire Council has embarked on a plan to improve the operations of its Walgett waste facility. Council has identified companion improvements that should deliver elevated environmental performance in the operation of its waste facility. These measures include upgrading the existing 'basic' transfer station, providing litter fencing to combat windblown litter, upgrading/renewing signage and installing CCTV to aid site security.

Warren Shire Council

Ewenmar waste facility transfer station – $155,658

Warren Shire Council is continuing with the upgrade of Ewenmar waste facility. Part of the work includes construction of a small vehicle waste transfer station. This new transfer station will enable facility users to safely deposit self-haul general waste into the transfer receptacle and to drop off household recyclables.

In the 2017 round (round 3) the Environmental Trust approved 15 grants, totalling $1,839,540.
 

Carrathool Shire Council

Closing and remediating old Carrathool Village landfill – $19,200

The project will involve closure and remediation of the old Carrathool Village landfill site, including fencing and signage of an existing asbestos dump site. The project will include repair of boundary fencing, re-vegetation and tree-planting, and signage. An extensive community engagement and communication strategy will inform and educate residents in the landfill catchment area of the old landfill’s closure.

Central Darling Shire Council

Ivanhoe Waste Facility – $63,585

This project will see the partial closure of the Ivanhoe Waste Facility. Environmental risks will be mitigated by landfilling retained above-ground materials that cannot be recycled or re-used. This will limit the likelihood of leachate generation and subsequent contamination of ground or surface water; prevent windblown litter; reduce the risk of fires; control pests and vermin; and allow the site to be rehabilitated. The goal is to reinstate the surface of the closed portion of the waste facility to its natural condition using locally harvested grass seeds and shrubs.

Central Darling Shire Council

Menindee Waste Facility – $134,457

This project will see the partial closure of the Menindee Waste Facility. Environmental risks will be mitigated by landfilling retained above-ground materials that cannot be recycled or re-used. This will limit the likelihood of leachate generation and subsequent contamination of ground or surface water; prevent windblown litter; reduce the risk of fires; control pests and vermin; and allow the site to be rehabilitated. The goal is to reinstate the surface of the closed portion of the waste facility to its natural condition using locally harvested grass seeds and shrubs.

Cowra Shire Council

Woodstock landfill closure and new transfer station – $120,500

The Woodstock landfill (an unlicensed facility) is approaching the end of its life. Council is seeking to expedite its closure and construct a transfer station on the existing site. Waste from the transfer station will be hauled to the licensed material recycling facility in Cowra. A drop-off area will be established with a retaining wall, concrete slab and bin system. An access road will be constructed and the disposal area sealed.

Dubbo Regional Council

Elong Elong Waste Facility landfill closure – $92,000

Council is planning to implement a landfill rationalisation plan that would see village landfills closed, transfer stations constructed on the sites and domestic waste/recycling/organics collection services expanded to meet the waste-disposal needs of local residents. The Elong Elong landfill is included in that plan. Risks in operating unsupervised landfills were identified when undertaking the E-RAMP (Environmental Risk Assessment and Mitigation Package) assessment, and closure and remediation of the sites would deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Council intends to close 5 landfills in all and the costs are significant.

Dubbo Regional Council

Euchareena Waste Facility landfill closure and transfer station – $136,099

Council is planning to implement a landfill rationalisation plan that would see village landfills closed, transfer stations constructed on the sites, and domestic waste/recycling/organics collection services expanded to meet the waste disposal needs of local residents. The Euchareena landfill is included in that plan. Risks in operating unsupervised landfills were identified when undertaking the E-RAMP assessment, and closure and remediation of the sites would deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Council intends to close 5 landfills in all and the costs are significant.

Dubbo Regional Council

Geurie Waste Facility landfill closure and transfer station – $97,416

Council is planning to implement a landfill rationalisation plan that would see village landfills closed, transfer stations constructed on the sites, and domestic waste/recycling/organics collection services expanded to meet the waste disposal needs of local residents. The Geurie landfill is included in that plan. Risks in operating unsupervised landfills were identified when undertaking the E-RAMP assessment, and closure and remediation of the sites would deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Council intends to close 5 landfills in all and the costs are significant.

Dubbo Regional Council

Mumbil Waste Facility landfill closure and transfer station – $134,892

Council is planning to implement a landfill rationalisation plan that would see village landfills closed, transfer stations constructed on the sites and domestic waste/recycling/organics collection services expanded to meet the waste disposal needs of local residents. The Mumbil landfill is included in that plan. Risks in operating unsupervised landfills were identified when undertaking the E-RAMP assessment, and closure and remediation of the sites would deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Council intends to close 5 landfills in all and the costs are significant.

Dubbo Regional Council

Stuart Town Waste Facility landfill closure and transfer station – $126,675

Council is planning to implement a landfill rationalisation plan that would see village landfills closed, transfer stations constructed on the sites and domestic waste/recycling/organics collection services expanded to meet the waste disposal needs of local residents. The Stuart Town landfill is included in that plan. Risks in operating unsupervised landfills were identified when undertaking the E-RAMP assessment, and closure and remediation of the sites would deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Council intends to close 5 landfills in all and the costs are significant.

Tamworth Regional Council

Closure of Duri landfill and conversion into a transfer station – $198,800

Tamworth Regional Council is proposing to close the existing Duri landfill and convert the facility into a small-vehicle transfer station. The closure of the landfill will reduce the environmental impact of the site, while the transfer station will provide the surrounding community with the opportunity to dispose of waste and to recycle and recover resources. The transfer station will provide increased safety to staff and members of the community using the facility, improve the visual aesthetics of the surrounding site and increase the screening and recovery of waste. Waste for disposal will be diverted to Council’s main licensed landfill facility, located along Forest Road in Tamworth.

Tamworth Regional Council

Closure of Somerton landfill and conversion into a transfer station – $192,620

Tamworth Regional Council is proposing to close the existing Somerton landfill and convert the facility into a small-vehicle transfer station. The closure of the landfill will reduce the environmental impact of the site, while the transfer station will provide the surrounding community with the opportunity to dispose of waste and to recycle and recover resources. The transfer station will provide increased safety to staff and members of the community using the facility, improve the visual aesthetics of the surrounding site and increase the screening and recovery of waste. Waste for disposal will be diverted to Council’s main licensed landfill facility, located along Forest Road in Tamworth.

Walgett Shire Council

Landfill to waste transfer – $200,000

The Lightning Ridge landfill (unlicensed) is approaching the end of its life. Council is seeking to expedite the closure and construct a transfer station, either on the existing site or on another piece of land in town. Waste will be hauled to the licensed waste facility located at Walgett. A large undercover drop-off area will formalise resource recovery stockpiles such as tyres, batteries and oil, and enable allocation of an area for a tip shop.

Brewarrina Shire Council

Goodooga Waste Facility environmental Improvements – $22,143

Brewarrina Shire Council has the opportunity to undertake environmental improvements to its Goodooga Waste Facility through the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. Environmental risks can be mitigated by removing legacy above-ground wastes that were considered as recyclable but have become contaminated or are unwanted, extracting recoverable portions and consigning the residual to landfill. This will reduce the likelihood of fires, improve visual amenity, remove harbourage for pests and vermin and enable rehabilitation of the site.

Central Darling Shire Council

Wilcannia Waste Facility – $200,000

Central Darling Shire Council has recognised the opportunity to undertake environmental improvements at its Wilcannia Waste Facility under the Waste Less, Recycle More program. Environmental risks can be mitigated by removing legacy materials that were originally considered as recyclable, extracting the recoverable portions and consigning the residual for in ground disposal. This action will reduce the likelihood of fires, improve visual amenity, remove harbourage for pests and vermin and enable rehabilitation of the site.

Narrabri Shire Council

Narrabri landfill Environmental Protection Project – $101,153

Narrabri Shire Council strives to protect the natural environment. One of the many measures taken is to ensure Narrabri landfill is supplied with appropriate fencing and security. Council aims to:

• install a new stock-proof perimeter fence, replacing the current damaged and deteriorating fence
• install new internal litter fencing, providing extra environmental protection from rubbish pollution
• install CCTV cameras for security purposes and to prevent illegal/incorrect rubbish dumping.

In the 2015 round (round 2) the Environmental Trust approved 26 grants, totalling $2,997,830.

Blayney Shire Council

Neville landfill closure – $55,175

The Neville landfill has met the waste disposal needs of the local community over many years but has almost reached capacity as a trench-and-fill landfill. The domestic waste collection service has been extended to include the Neville village and will be expanded in April 2016 to provide a recycling service. Blayney Shire Council recognises the risks in operating landfills, especially when taken in context with the amendments to the Waste Regulations that became effective in November 2014. Closure and remediation of the Neville landfill will deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate these identified risks.

Boorowa Council

Closure of the Boorowa landfill – $200,000

Boorowa Council will close the Boorowa waste depot and consolidate waste transfer activities of surrounding villages (recently closed) within the main waste transfer station. Disposal will then continue at the Bald Hill landfill, a regional-scale landfill that meets contemporary standards. The Bald Hill landfill is a long-term solution to the waste-disposal concerns of the Boorowa local-government area.

Cabonne Council

Cargo landfill closure – $51,200

Cabonne Shire Council has undertaken a review of the operations of its waste facilities and made a determination that will see the rationalisation of its landfill management: the landfill site at Cargo will be closed and the existing small-vehicle waste transfer station expanded to accept general waste. Closure and remediation of the Cargo landfill will deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks.

Inverell Shire Council

Closure and consolidation of Oakwood rural landfill – $196,800

Inverell Shire Council operates 12 small rural landfills. These are a useful and convenient waste-disposal option for rural residences, but they also pose health and safety risks and considerable financial and environmental risk for the council, the Border Rivers catchment and its community. This project will provide full closure of Oakwood rural landfill, a site located 25 kilometres north of Inverell. Project works will include initial cell closure and final capping with virgin or natural material will be used. The council will erect signs to indicate that the site is closed.

Inverell Shire Council

Closure and consolidation of Wallangra rural landfill – $188,400

Wallangra is located 60 kilometres north of Inverell in the Border Rivers catchment. Inverell Shire Council operates 12 small rural landfills, including Wallangra. These landfills are a useful and convenient waste-disposal option for rural residences, but they also pose health and safety risks and considerable financial and environmental risk for the council, the Border Rivers catchment and its community. This project will provide full closure of Wallangra rural landfill. Project works will include initial cell closure and final capping with virgin or natural material. The council will erect signs to indicate that the site is closed and run a public awareness campaign to inform residents of the closure.

Inverell Shire Council

Landfill consolidation to Yetman rural landfill, Inverell local government area – $164,580

This project will see Inverell Shire Council develop Yetman rural landfill into a waste transfer station. This will deliver environmental improvements on this site reducing potential groundwater and surface-water pollution, litter, vermin, loss of valuable resources, fire and the dumping of hazardous waste. It will also improve conservation outcomes and work health and safety for residents, council personnel and contractors. Yetman is a small, isolated community more than 120 kilometres north of Inverell. The project will provide the community with a secure, supervised site with restricted access.

Parkes Shire Council

Peak Hill waste depot landfill closure and waste transfer station – $189,500

There is insufficient room available at Peak Hill waste depot to conduct waste management operations. The Parkes Shire Waste Management Strategy 2015 endorses the closure of the landfill and establishment of a new waste transfer station on adjoining land to the east.

Richmond Valley Council

Closure of Coraki landfill – $200,000

This project involves the full closure of the Coraki landfill, a small facility that was built prior to the 1980s and before the advent of the environmental protections expected of modern landfills. The landfill will be capped using natural excavated materials to form a seal compliant with modern standards. This effectively consolidates the council’s landfilling into the one site at Nammoona. This site is much better equipped to handle environmental risks and has a weighbridge and modern community recycling centre to manage and track recycling and waste disposal.

Snowy River Shire Council

Landfill Adaminaby: capping and closure – $121,261

Adaminaby landfill is a small operating facility with recent leachate issues that have motivated the council to review operations. Over the last 12 months waste has been transferred the Jindabyne landfill facility for disposal. The existing landfill will be capped and closed after a site clean-up, with continued operation as a transfer station. The rear of the site will be fenced, with farm-gate access, and the site re-vegetated.

Walcha Council

Woolbrook landfill closure and conversion to waste transfer station – $91,000

The project to close the Woolbrook landfill and convert it to a waste transfer station project will address the environmental performance risks for one of the district’s small village landfills. Works proposed will correct site drainage through shaping and drain-line enhancements: this will also reduce sedimentation and erosion. The project will also cover/cap the current cell area, reducing the risk of leachate entering surface-water and groundwater. Landfill at the site will cease and a small waste transfer station will be provided.

Bogan Shire Council

Nyngan Waste Management Facility environmental improvements – $48,788

The project involves environmental improvements to the Nyngan Waste Management Facility. The works involve upgrading the perimeter fences to chain mesh with 2 strands of barbed wire and the installation of closed-circuit TV cameras. These works will help prevent unauthorised access, contain windblown litter, reduce illegal dumping, limit the contamination of stockpiles, and improve resource recovery as the facility moves towards licensed operation.

Boorowa Council

Waste transfer station establishment at Boorowa – $200,000

Boorowa Council will establish a waste transfer station at the site of current Boorowa rural landfill. The landfill will be closed and the waste transfer station will be the main waste disposal area for domestic waste for residents within the catchment area, with bulky items, construction/demolition and industrial waste to be deposited in designated areas within the waste transfer station compound. The establishment of the waste transfer station represents the largest environmental gain as it will divert all landfilling activities to the regional landfill at Bald Hill. This has the impact of diverting over 80% of the municipality’s waste to a contemporary landfill.

Brewarrina Shire Council

Environmental improvements – Brewarrina Shire Council – $107,190

This project will address under-performance in the operations of waste facilities at Angledool and Brewarrina. Perimeter fences will be erected to improve security and to prevent the spread of windblown litter. Video surveillance cameras would help address illegal dumping of prohibited materials and signage erected on site will enable facility users to better understand how to manage waste in a responsible manner. It is the council’s ambition to improve operational performance and to conduct the management of its waste facilities in a sustainable manner with a strong focus on its environmental responsibilities.

Broken Hill City Council

Environmental improvements for Broken Hill landfill – $200,000

The project is to install an enclosed and undercover waste drop off area for all domestic waste and other facility users at the Broken Hill Waste Management Facility. Strong winds, the arid environment and a wide-open tip face (where the public currently tips waste) lead to large volumes of windblown litter and at times increased dust. The enclosed undercover drop-off area will operate as a waste transfer station and will significantly reduce windblown litter on site by containing the waste delivered to the Broken Hill Waste Management Facility.

Central Darling Shire Council

Central Darling landfill improvement project – $32,204

Central Darling Shire lies in the Far West region of NSW and covers an area of 53,511 square kilometres. The landfill at Sunset Strip serves the remote community of Sunset Strip. Lack of funds and remoteness have hampered the management of this facility. These environmental improvement works include fencing, signage and site rehabilitation works. These works will reduce off site-migration of litter, prevent the generation of dust, prevent rabbits from interfering with rehabilitation efforts and improve resource recovery.

Forbes Shire Council

Environmental improvements to Bedgerebong landfill – $68,449

This project concerns environmental improvements at 4 unlicensed landfills in the Forbes Shire, being Bedgerebong, Wirrinya, Warroo and Ootha landfills. Major works include properly diverting surface water away from disposal areas, constructing site sheds and fitting them out to facilitate regular staffing, and opening the landfill at controlled times, to ensure proper disposal practices and reduce fires and other illegal activity. Revegetation and cleaning up of legacy stockpiles of illegally dumped waste will also improve the amenity of the landfills and mitigate any current environmental risks. Data collection will assist in planning for environmental and disposal works onsite.

Forbes Shire Council

Environmental improvements to Garema landfill – $16,871

This project involves environmental improvements at the Garema landfill in Forbes Shire. Major works include properly diverting surface water away from disposal areas, constructing site sheds and fitting them out to facilitate regular staffing, and opening the landfill at controlled times, to ensure proper disposal practices and reduce fires and other illegal activity. Revegetation and cleaning up of legacy stockpiles of illegally dumped waste will also improve the amenity of Garema landfill and mitigate any current environmental risks. Data collection will assist in planning for environmental and disposal works onsite.

Gloucester Shire Council

Gloucester landfill fencing – $60,000

The Gloucester landfill is currently fenced by a stock-proof fence. The fence and the entrance gate need upgrading to ensure security at the site and decrease windblown litter. This project will install 1.8-metre-high fencing around the perimeter of the landfill, including a lockable gate at the entrance, and install informative signs to reduce the amount of illegal dumping at the gate and the hazards of fire at the landfill.

Lithgow City Council

Lithgow City landfill improvements – $64,930

The project involves environmental improvements to the Portland and Wallerawang garbage depots. The works involve upgrading the perimeter fences and the installation of CCTV (closed circuit television). These works will help prevent unauthorised access, contain windblown litter, reduce illegal dumping, limit the contamination of stockpiles and improve resource recovery.

Murrumbidgee Shire Council

Improve waste handling at Coleambally landfill facility – $80,940

This project aims to improve environmental outcomes by implementing improved waste handling and materials segregation at the Coleambally landfill facility. Works will involve improving areas for waste segregation, sedimentation control, improved security, surveillance and signage.

Narromine Shire Council

Narromine Shire Council waste depot environmental improvements – $74,192

The project involves environmental improvements to the Narromine waste depot. The works involve improving the security of perimeter fences, the installation of CCTV (closed circuit television), signage and litter fencing. These works will prevent unauthorised access, reduce illegal dumping, reduce the dispersal of litter, limit the contamination of stockpiles and improve resource recovery.

Oberon Council

Oberon Waste Facility environmental improvements – $42,790

Oberon Council is embarking on a comprehensive long-term plan of management (LTPM) for its Oberon Waste Facility that will include a concentrated effort to improve resource recovery and reduce waste to landfill. The key to achieving this will be the development of a resource recovery area that includes a community recycling centre (CRC), glass storage and crushing facility, organics, waste-oil station, a recovery and processing area, collection of used chemical drums (drumMUSTER), drop off for paper and plastic, scrap metal stockpiling and e-waste recovery. The LTPM also provides for a weighbridge, gatehouse and transfer station. This project includes the construction of a concrete bunker for glass storage, directional and information signs, road works, a surveillance camera, a gatehouse and the shaping of the site to control surface-water run-off. The council will provide funding for the other supporting infrastructure.

Richmond Valley Council

Establish Coraki transfer station – $200,000

This project involves establishment of a transfer station at the Coraki landfill site and comprises a roofed shed on a concrete slab fitted with bays for depositing waste and recovering resources. The Coraki landfill was constructed prior to the 1980s, before the advent of the environmental protections expected of modern-day landfills. Construction of the transfer station will allow the landfill to be closed, thus improving the environmental performance of the site without significant impact on the services available to the community.

Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Upper Lachlan landfill environmental improvement project – $200,000

The council plans to improve environmental performance through the enhancement of infrastructure at council waste-management facilities. The works include signage, fencing, provision of resource recovery facilities, internal access road improvements, contour earthworks and site rehabilitation. The site works will reduce the offsite migration of litter, deal with dispersed waste materials on the site, provide for the separation of waste streams for future reuse, improve resource recovery and reduce water pollution. The upgraded Crookwell landfill will provide the Upper Lachlan Shire with a centralised, well-managed and environmentally responsible waste facility. This will allow the council to reduce the types and quantities of waste accepted at smaller, remote local facilities at Bigga, Tuena, Taralga and Collector, thereby promoting the consolidation of the Shire’s waste management.

Uralla Shire Council

Uralla landfill environmental improvements 2016 – $83,200

This project is to undertake priority environmental improvements at the Uralla landfill. This project seeks to address site fencing, site security, signage, bushfire risks (perimeter fire breaks) and site litter (litter control structures, and use of landfill compactor daily). The landfill services a Shire population of 6064 and handles 5000 tonnes of waste a year. With compaction, it has an estimated life expectancy of another 30 years.

Walcha Council

Nowendoc landfill environmental improvement works – $60,360

The Nowendoc Landfill Environmental Improvement Project will address the environmental performance risks for this remote village landfill. Fencing will be installed to improve site security and reduce illegal access, vandalism, ignition of fires and dumping of inappropriate wastes. Resource-recovery infrastructure will be acquired and installed to enable greater separation of recyclables and reduce waste that would otherwise be buried as landfill.

In the 2014 round (round 1) the Environmental Trust approved 24 grants, totalling $3,831,542. 

Boorowa Council

Closure of Rugby and Frogmore rural landfills – $157,997

Council proposes to close 2 rural landfills, located at the villages of Rugby and Frogmore, and consolidate landfilling activities at the main landfill at the Boorowa waste depot. Both the Ruby and Frogmore rural landfills are unmanned and have suffered ongoing operational issues with deposition of problem waste, litter, fires and achieving generally low landfill diversion rates. Through consolidation at the Boorowa waste depot, users of the facility will have access to trained staff and appropriate facilities for the disposal of problem waste, and opportunity to participate in landfill diversion programs run only from the main facility.

Cobar Shire Council

Operational efficiency improvements: two cell closures at Cobar Waste Disposal Facility – $14,700

This project is aimed at closing 2 out of 3 waste cells at the Cobar Waste Disposal Facility. By managing one waste cell rather than 3, less time will be needed to cap and compact waste and less capping material will be required. The efficiencies achieved will allow the council to focus on more proactive environmental initiatives on the site, such as rehabilitation projects and sorting wastes for recyclable products. The project will include the compaction of existing wastes within the 2 cells to be closed, capping and rehabilitation to pre-disturbed standards.

Gilgandra Shire Council

Gilgandra Shire Council landfill rationalisation – $198,950

The council is planning to implement a landfill rationalisation plan that would see the sites at Tooraweenah and Armatree closed and transfer stations constructed on these sites to meet the waste-disposal needs of local residents. Provision would be made to accept and transport household recyclable materials from the transfer stations to the council’s Materials Recovery Facility at Gilgandra. The risks in operating unsupervised landfills were identified when undertaking the E-RAMP (Environmental Risk Assessment and Mitigation Package) assessment, and closure and remediation of the sites would deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Funding will enable the landfill rationalisation to proceed, supporting the council’s ambition to deliver responsible waste management.

Greater Hume Shire Council

Henty landfill conversion to a transfer station – $117,488

The aim of this project is to close one of the 4 council-run landfills. The landfill is relatively small and has low patronage. The Henty landfill is adjacent to an area of environmental significance. The wetland habitat covers 2023.5 hectares and includes Doodle Cooma Swamp Nature Reserve. Many ancient river red gums (400 years old) still stand, and these attract a wide range of bird and animal life. When the wetland is inundated, the water is within 10 metres of the landfill garbage disposal area and the access road is underwater. The project funding would be allocated to completely close, rehabilitate and convert Henty landfill to a transfer station.

Gundagai Shire Council

Nangus and Muttama Tip rehabilitation – $139,044

The council is undergoing a process of consolidation of tip sites to reduce the environmental impacts of their landfills. The landfill at Nangus in particular has experienced a number of issues in recent years, including the illegal dumping of asbestos and fires. The project will close 2 landfill sites.

Inverell Shire Council

Closure and consolidation of Elsmore rural landfill – $199,308

The council operates 12 small rural landfills. These provide a useful and convenient waste-disposal option for rural residences. However, they also impose health and safety risks and considerable financial and environmental risk for the council, the Border Rivers catchment and its community. This project will provide full closure of Elsmore rural landfill. Project works will include initial cell closure and final capping with virgin material or natural material. The project will see the erection of signs indicating that the site is closed.

Inverell Shire Council

Landfill consolidation to Ashford rural landfill in the Inverell Shire – $186,562

This project will develop Ashford rural landfill to a waste transfer station and deliver environmental improvements to this site by reducing potential groundwater and surface water pollution, litter and vermin, loss of valuable resources, fire, hazardous waste dumping, improving conservation and work health and safety issues for visitors and staff. It will provide the community with a secured supervised site with restricted access, landfill cell capping, stormwater sedimentation control works, construction of waste loading platforms for waste separation, internal road improvements, effective signage, aesthetic improvements and litter control.

Junee Shire Council

Closure and rehabilitation of Eurongilly landfill and conversion to a rural transfer station – $33,116

Eurongilly, in the Junee local-government area, is approximately 20 kilometres from Junee city area. The locality has been served for decades by a small landfill facility. The council has 5 other rural transfer stations that have operated successfully for over 10 years. It is now seeking to close the last remaining rural landfill and convert it to a transfer station. Eurongilly residents currently have to travel 20 kilometres to the nearest transfer station if they wish to recycle materials. The new transfer station will provide them with a facility like those other Shire residents currently enjoy.

Kyogle Council

Closure of Woodenbong landfill – $159,447

The council proposes to close the Woodenbong landfill facility to improve environmental management and waste management within the Kyogle local-government area. Waste will be redirected to Kyogle landfill, which will have been equipped with a weighbridge and a community recycling centre shed.

Lachlan Shire Council

Lachlan Shire Council landfill rationalisation – $49,050

The council has undertaken community engagement and has decided to rationalise its landfill operations, closing the sites at Albert and Fifield and extending the domestic waste-collection service to provide the waste disposal needs of those communities. Closure and remediation of the sites will deliver improved environmental outcomes and mitigate risks. Landfill rationalisation supports the council’s ambitions in the delivery of responsible waste management.

Palerang Council

Macs Reef landfill closure – $200,000

The council is constructing a waste transfer station at the Macs Reef Road tip site. Following completion of the waste transfer station, the council will reshape some areas of the site, permanently close the landfill using clay capping layers and revegetate with grasses and shrubs. The closure of the landfill will minimise on-going maintenance costs and maximise environmental and social outcomes.

Parkes Shire Council

Yarrabandi landfill closure – $45,955

Yarrabandi landfill serves an isolated rural area with a diminishing village population. Taking into account the environmental risks and costs of maintaining this landfill, the council proposes to cease operations here and rehabilitate the site. Waste may be taken to the Bogan Gate landfill which is less than 20 kilometres away, or to the more controlled Parkes Waste Management Facility. This project will reduce illegal dumping, fires, littering and water pollution. The site will be capped, graded and securely fenced, and a large sign placed at the front gate to explain requirements and alternative arrangements.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Dunbogan landfill closure and capping – $200,000

Dunbogan landfill has been operating since the 1980s. It is situated near the coast, built without a liner or other environmental protection measures, and is within significant koala habitat and near to significant flora. A landfill closure plan has been prepared and approved by the NSW Environment Protection Authority for the site. The council is developing plans for a new waste-transfer station near Kew to replace the services of the Dunbogan Waste Management Facility for customers in the southern part of the local-government area (the towns of Dunbogan, Laurieton, North Haven, Kew and Kendall). The site is more convenient to a greater population and is likely to provide greater resource recovery.

Tenterfield Shire Council

Tenterfield rural landfill consolidation and closure project: northern precinct – $187,749

The landfill consolidation and closure project will deliver significant environmental improvements and reduce environmental risk through the closure of 4 rural landfills, 3 of which will be converted to transfer stations with provision for recycling and general waste disposal.

Albury City Council

Albury waste management centre environmental improvements project – $55,300

The council plans to reduce environmental issues with improved infrastructure at the Albury Waste Management Centre. Signage upgrades will reduce illegal dumping and improper placement of recyclables on site.

Boorowa Council

Waste transfer station establishment at Rugby and Frogmore – $158,135

The council will establish waste transfer stations at the current Rugby and Frogmore rural landfills. The landfills will be closed and the waste transfer stations will be the main waste-disposal area for domestic waste for residents within the catchment area, with bulky items, construction/demolition and industrial waste to be deposited in the main waste depot in the Boorowa township.

Bourke Shire Council

Bourke Shire Council environmental improvements – $43,990

The council aims to increase the security of its waste management facilities at Engonnia, Louth, Fords Bridge and Byrock. Risks of illegal dumping, fire and litter will be mitigated by installing 1.8-metre-high chain-wire fencing around the perimeter of these waste sites, providing gated entrances and installing surveillance cameras. Surveillance cameras will also be installed at the Bourke and Wanaaring waste facilities. All 6 sites will have improved directional and informational signage erected.

Central Darling Shire Council

Central Darling landfill improvement project – $80,000

Central Darling Shire is located in the Far West region of NSW and covers an area of 53,511 square kilometres. The landfills at Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs and Ivanhoe serve remote communities. Lack of funds and remoteness have hampered the management of these facilities. The proposed environmental improvement works include fencing, signage, internal road improvements and site rehabilitation works. These works will reduce off-site migration of litter, deal with dispersed waste materials on the site, improve resource recovery and reduce potential water pollution.

Cobar Shire Council

Environmental improvements at Cobar Waste Disposal Facility – $137,302

This project seeks to undertake comprehensive environmental improvements at the Cobar Waste Disposal Facility. The improvements focus on site security, improved waste storage facilities and better signage to provide important information to customers and staff. This project will seek to carry out works that are unprecedented in this local-government area and confirms this council’s willingness to improve waste management.

Conargo Shire Council

Environmental improvement for Blighty landfill – $81,673

The landfill at Blighty is the most frequently used facility in the Shire and has an average disposal rate of 1394 cubic metres per year. The existing 1.5-metre fence and gate provide only minimum site security. Proposed upgrades to fencing and security at the landfill, complemented by council employment of a dedicated resource to man the site, will help to improve the environmental impacts of currently uncontrolled dumping activities. Additional signage is also proposed to encourage better diversion of recyclables from the landfill including scrap metal and green waste.

Conargo Shire Council

Environmental improvement for Conargo landfill – $52,605

The landfill at Conargo is the second-most frequently used facility in the Shire and has an average disposal rate of 1055 cubic metres per year. The existing 1.5-metre fence and gate provide only minimum site security. Proposed upgrades to fencing and security at the landfill, complemented by council employment of a dedicated resource to man the site, will help to improve the environmental impacts of currently uncontrolled dumping activities, such as the stockpiling of waste oil drums on unsealed ground. Additional signage is also proposed to encourage better diversion of tyres from landfill and inform residents of DrumMUSTER drop-off points.

Conargo Shire Council

Environmental improvement for Pretty Pine landfill – $60,719

The landfill at Pretty Pine has an average disposal rate of 731 cubic metres per year. The existing 1.8-metre ringlock fence and gate provides only minimum site security. Council staff have indicated that the gate is frequently left open, allowing residents from Deniliquin access to the facility. Proposed upgrades to fencing and security at the landfill, complemented by council employment of a dedicated resource to man the site, will help to improve the environmental impacts of currently uncontrolled dumping activities. Additional signage is also proposed to encourage better diversion of tyres, cardboard and green waste from landfill.

Conargo Shire Council

Environmental Improvement for Wanganella landfill – $63,797

Wanganella landfill has an average disposal rate of 306 cubic metres per year. The existing 1.8-metre ringlock fence and lack of gate provides no site security. Proposed upgrades to fencing and security at the landfill, complemented by council’s employment of a dedicated resource to man the site, will help to improve the environmental impacts of currently uncontrolled dumping activities. Additional signage is also proposed to encourage better diversion of tyres, cardboard, green waste and the significant amount of scrap metal currently disposed of at the landfill.

Forbes Shire Council

Environmental improvements to Forbes Shire Council unlicensed landfills – $70,141

The council is endeavouring to enhance operations and environmental protection at each of its unlicensed landfills: Wirrinya, Warroo, Bedgerebong and Ootha. These sites currently suffer from poor amenity, lack of instructional signs to help residents properly separate and dispose of their waste, stormwater runoff, groundwater contamination from poor disposal practices, and windblown litter. Infrastructure upgrades to improve amenities and better inform residents of required actions are proposed as the first step in enhancing the council’s suite of landfill facilities – a need identified in 2 regional waste-management plans over the past 13 years.

Gilgandra Shire Council

Gilgandra Shire Council environmental improvements – $55,178

The council aims to increase the security of its principal waste management facility at Gilgandra and mitigate the risks of unauthorised access that may result in illegal dumping, the lighting of fires and distribution of windblown litter, by installing surveillance cameras and a 1.8-metre-high chain-wire fencing around the perimeter of the waste facility. In addition, informational and directional signage will help mitigate contamination of recovered bulky resources and reduce the quantity of non-permitted waste being deposited on site.

Griffith Shire Council

Construction of improved waste handling and disposal at Yenda Waste Management Centre – $107,681

This project aims to improve environmental outcomes at the Yenda Waste Management Centre through better waste handling, materials disposal and site security. Works will involve the construction of a simple 2-bin waste transfer station, improved boundary fencing, the installation of video cameras for improved security and better signage for users of the new facility. The new facility will reduce groundwater contamination, reduce windblown litter and minimise vermin at the site.

Gundagai Shire Council

Gundagai Shire landfill environmental improvement – $114,118

The council is undergoing a process of consolidation of tip sites to reduce the environmental impacts of their landfills. The landfill at Nangus in particular has experienced a number of issues in recent years, including fires and the illegal dumping of asbestos. The project will establish 2 transfer sites at Nangus and Muttama, where tips will soon be closed.

Kyogle Council

Woodenbong waste transfer station – $165,230

This project involves the establishment of a waste transfer station in conjunction with the closure and capping of landfill operations at the Woodenbong landfill. The transfer station will provide improved environmental outcomes while maintaining a waste disposal facility in the Woodenbong area.

Lachlan Shire Council

Lachlan Shire Council environmental improvements – $189,600

The council aims to redress the unsustainable past practice of retained above-ground wastes at its Tottenham, Lake Cargelligo, Tullibigeal and Burcher waste facilities through on-site, in-ground disposal. These wastes were kept for recovery as potential resources but over time they have become too contaminated and can no longer be effectively recovered. The council plans to remediate the sites where these materials are stockpiled, provide site supervision, install site security and put in place a long-term plan for the future management of these bulky wastes. These steps will deliver significant environmental improvement.

Parkes Shire Council

Landfill environmental improvements Parkes Shire – $135,852

The project involves environmental improvements to landfills at Parkes, Alectown, Tullamore and Trundle. The works involve upgrading fences, gates and signs, and will reduce illegal access, dumping, the dispersal of litter, contamination of stockpiles and resource recovery. Reticulated water available near Tullamore will be connected for firefighting purposes.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Kew waste transfer station – $200,000

Creating a waste transfer station at Kew would allow closure of the Dunbogan landfill site, which was not constructed to today’s environmental standards and is situated in a poor location. Closure would reduce environmental impacts. Kew is both central to a large population and near the highway, making it easy to transport waste to Cairncross. There is also greater opportunity in this location for resource recovery.

Walgett Shire Council

Walgett Shire Council landfill improvement project – $107,600

Walgett and Lightning Ridge Waste Management Facilities serve remote communities in the north-western area of NSW. Inadequate and damaged fencing at these facilities has caused litter problems in the surrounding environments and allowed indiscriminate dumping. Security fencing that also serves as litter barriers needs to be improved at these facilities. Additional enhanced signage will also improve management of these facilities so that materials are deposited in appropriate locations, which in turn will improve resource recovery and reduce clean-up costs.

Warren Shire Council

Environmental improvements to the Ewenmar waste depot – $59,552

Ewenmar waste depot is unmanned with inadequate fencing, supervision, security, road access and signage. This project will address those shortcomings and reduce unauthorised access, illegal dumping, fires, the spread of litter, contamination of recyclables, and waste going to landfill.

Weddin Shire Council

Weddin Shire Council environmental improvements – $3,703

This project will provide improved signage and cameras for surveillance the council’s Quandialla and Caragabal waste facilities, which should eliminate poor past practices.