Obsolete open cut mines can pose a dilemma. No longer productive, they are often an eyesore, present safety problems and, moreover, are wasted space. In an entrepreneurial initiative with Collex Waste Management Pty Ltd, Muswellbrook Shire in the Hunter Valley plans to turn its old No1 Open Cut into a landfill. Under the proposal, eventually the site will be rehabilitated as public space.
Discussions are currently underway between the Shire and Collex to establish the landfill for waste collected locally and in Sydney. Announcing the proposal in September, Mayor Ian Seymour said that this initiative provides benefits all round.
Not only is the site a convenient means for disposing of some of the four million tonnes of waste generated in NSW annually, it will create local jobs. Eventual rehabilitation of the area and royalties paid by Collex will provide funding for community projects and new open space facilities.
“Extensive community consultation is taking place to ensure residents are satisfied the initiative will be managed efficiently and safely,” said Lou Fisher, Council’s General Manager.
Only household waste is being considered for the landfill. No hazardous or industrial waste will be transported to Muswellbrook. An Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared before Council gives final approval to the scheme. In addition to input from a Local Environment Committee, Environmental Protection Authority regulations and monitoring will further ensure efficient and safe management.
Collex, one of Australia’s major waste management companies, is fully committed to its social and environmental responsibilities, employing state of the art technology for all its processes. Recyclables will be separated before being taken to landfill and material will be transported by rail at night, in sealed containers. Odour controls will also be in place, with material covered daily and ongoing monitoring of the decomposition process.
Doug Dean, Managing Director of Collex, said that the proposal offers the opportunity to make a valuable environmental contribution to NSW waste control as well as earn a significant income for the local community.
“We are very confident that the project will be welcomed by the people of Muswellbrook,” he said. “We look forward to taking our place in the community and participating as a solid ‘corporate citizen’, as well as running an efficient operation.”
For further information contact Lou Fisher, telephone (02) 6543 2866 or Doug Dean at Collex, telephone (02) 9232 5555.
