When will Council make the decision on the proposed closures?
The timeline for a decision on the proposed transfer station closures has been pushed back due to the recent flooding event. At this stage a decision is likely to be made by council in late February 2023.
If Council decide to close, when will that happen?
If the sites are to close permanently this would occur in early 2023 for Strathmerton, Tungamah and Yabba.
What will happen to these sites if they close?
If the sites are to close then Council will begin the process of rehabilitating these sites, to minimise risk to the environment posed by the historical landfills on the sites.
If the transfer stations do close, what service changes will be delivered to offset the loss?
Council is seeking to improve and ensure compliant operation of the remaining 6 transfer stations across the shire which will be improved to progress them to best practice operation.
What do residents outside the kerbside service areas do if the Yabba transfer station is closed?
We are looking into providing a waste collection service to Yabba residents who will be impacted by the closure of the Yabba transfer station. Residents of Yabba may have the option for kerbside collection allowing them to dispose of their waste responsibly and effectively.
Has the potential increase in illegal dumping been considered?
Illegal dumping is a behavioural issue which is generally unrelated to transfer station availability. Council is required to clean up illegally dumped material from areas very close to transfer stations which could have been deposited free of charge (white goods, scrap metal, etc). Council attempts to reduce illegal dumping throughout the Shire through a range of educational activities in addition to monitoring and investigation of illegal dumping incidents.
Will closing the Transfer Station result in an increase in the usage of main street commercial bins and illegal dumping at Op Shops?
Illegal dumping is a behavioural issue with multiple factors leading to people undertaking this antisocial behaviour. Generally research by NSW and VIC EPA has shown individuals who would utilise antisocial disposal behaviour such as this are unlikely to utilise transfer stations regardless of their proximity. Council recognises that such illegal dumping is currently an issue and works with businesses and opportunity shops to assist them in dealing with illegal dumping through disposal of waste and developing strategies to minimise dumped rubbish.
What about the increase in roadside litter due to rubbish ‘fly away’ from all the trailers going to a transfer station further away?
It is the responsibility of any motorist to ensure that their load is secure when transporting any type of material, regardless of distance of travel and destination.
Can I get a kerbside service? What will I be charged for a kerbside service?
If you are within Tungamah or Strathmerton and currently do not receive a kerbside service please contact council and we can assess including your property into the kerbside collection route.
If you live in Yabba an option for a centralised collection point can be provided.
- 120lt landfill bin is $258.50 (or 240lt landfill for fortnightly collection)
- 240lt recycling bin is $130.40
Where is my nearest transfer station?
Tungamah
- St James Transfer station is located ~ 10-20 min drive (average of 10 min)
- Yarrawonga Transfer Station is located ~10-20 min drive (average of 18 min)
Strathmerton
- Cobram Transfer station and Landfill is located ~ 10-20 min drive (average of 18 min)
- Numurkah Transfer Station is located ~10-20 min drive (average of 16 min)
Yabba
- St James Transfer station is located ~ 10-20 min drive (average of 18 min)
- Cosgrove Landfill is located ~10-20 min drive (average of 12 min)