The City of Busselton has awarded a half-million dollar contract to commence earthworks at its Vidler Road Waste Facility in Dunsborough.
This is the first phase of construction of a new landfill that will secure around 20 years capacity for waste disposal while meeting the most stringent environmental standards applicable.
This will be the first lined landfill in the South West operated by a Local Government authority and its construction represents a major step forward in terms of protecting this unique environment.
This key strategic project was adopted by the City as part of the Capes Regional Organisation of Councils Strategic Waste Management Plan, which was approved last year and subsequently endorsed by the Waste Authority.
Work on this new facility has now commenced.
Its engineering specifications and construction quality assurance are in line with Best Practice Environmental Management Standards that included a double-liner system to prevent leakage and environmental damage to the site.
The City plans to construct five new landfill cells over the next 15 years to meet the future waste management needs of this rapidly growing region.
Waste Coordinator at the City of Busselton, Vitor Martins said “we’ve worked closely with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, our partner at the Capes Regional Organisation of Councils (CapeRoc), to identify the most suitable location for this facility.
“The Vidler Road site was considered most accessible and already had the necessary approvals in place.
“The City also plans to upgrade the Busselton Waste Transfer Station where waste which is assessed as suitable for landfill is transported to the Vidler Road facility.”
The City of Busselton does not support waste disposal in legacy rubbish dumps and is firmly committed to advancing this $15 million project which has been identified in its long term financial plan.
The City is also working with other Local Governments in the region to assess the viability of a waste-to-energy solution and this has been included in the Southwest Regional Blueprint.
In addition to regular kerbside recycling services (yellow lid bin), City residents are encouraged to recycle a range of materials including: cardboard and plastics; electric and electronic items; green waste; scrap metal, car and household batteries; used oil; chemical drums; tyres; mattresses; and bricks and concrete.
These materials are accepted for recycling at the transfer station and at the Vidler Road site, most at no cost.
