Following the worst flood in the City’s history, Bundaberg Regional Council has taken a coordinated approach to the massive clean up, calling on the experts to shift the more than 30,000 tonnes of rubbish left in the wake of the inundation.
Waste and Recycling portfolio spokesperson, Councillor Vince Habermann said that Council was extremely fortunate to source some of the ‘best machinery muscle’ from across Queensland, with units from SITA Australia’s Brisbane and Cairns’ facilities arriving in Bundaberg to assist with the cleanup.
“Manpower with these resources quickly coordinated three temporary waste transfer facilities, located at Fairymead Road, Meadowvale and Orr Street, East Bundaberg.
“It was a priority task for Council to move flood waste and debris from the streets in front of flood-affected properties as quickly as possible. This involved an around the clock effort and the tonnages moved prove just how effective these teams have been,” said Cr Habermann.
“Their heavy machinery, including excavators, sorted the material so that items like tyres, mattresses, chemical containers, whitegoods, etc., were removed and recycled. This has greatly reduced what was required to be buried in our landfill site.”
When the SITA crews departed Bundaberg in late February, Council organised a main street drive through as part of their farewell.
“It was an impressive sight, with these large waste removal vehicles in convoy with low loaders and excavators,” said Cr Habermann. “They have done a marvelous job for this community.”
