After almost a decade searching for an appropriate location, the Shire of Broome, Western Australia, has approved an integrated site for a new Regional Resource Recovery Park (RRRP).
The decision is timely given the current landfill at Buckleys Road is fast approaching the end of its operational life.
The project will be made up of a Community Recycling Centre (CRC), best-practice Class III landfill and liquid waste components, as well as supporting site infrastructure.
Over a six-week public consultation period in February and March, the community had an opportunity to provide input on their preferred option.
Councillors voted 4-2 in favour of an integrated facility, featuring both the CRC and landfill, at one site taking the Project Team’s extensive investigations and community feedback into consideration.
Council will now seek all relevant approvals applications for the RRRP, develop a draft funding strategy for the project and commence detailed design services. Opportunities for ongoing engagement with the Broome community will continue as the project progresses.
Shire of Broome deputy president, Councillor Desiree Male said it was an historic and vitally important decision.
“The amount of time and effort put in to find an appropriate site for the RRRP has been considerable and we’ve had a thorough Community Review period to hear from Broome residents and stakeholders.
“The new RRRP will secure our town’s waste needs for the next 70 years and provide an opportunity for Broome to embrace improved environmentally-friendly habits, reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill as a result.”