Orbost Landfill to accept bushfire waste

Orbost Landfill is on the way to accepting bushfire waste after East Gippsland Shire Council awarded Goldsmith Civil and Environmental the contract to maintain the temporary site at the March 17 Council meeting held in Cann River.

The Environment Protection Authority approved the previously rehabilitated and currently non-operational part of the Orbost Landfill site as suitable to accept the bushfire waste from the State Government clean-up program. Council has also received all necessary approvals from the Minister for Local Government.

Council’s General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall said opening the site has been major priority.

“The opening of the site has been a critical focus for the Council to support the community in the ongoing clean-up program and effort,” Ms Weigall said.

More than 50,000 tonnes of waste is estimated to be generated by the bushfire clean-up program. The Orbost facility is expected to receive 35,000 tonnes of the prescribed waste with Bairnsdale Landfill to having capacity to take the remaining 15,000 tonnes.

“Works to ready the site are being undertaken, this includes access, temporary facilities and the installation of a temporary weighbridge,” Ms Weigall said.

It is planned to have the site operational by the week commencing March 24. The new temporary facility will operate for duration of the clean-up program and will be accessed only by licensed contractors.

The waste transfer station at the site will remain operation for all other waste on existing arrangements and opening times.

For more information about bushfire waste disposal, including free bushfire waste vouchers, please refer to our website or contact Council on 03 5153 9500.