Community Input Sought on Welby Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation
Published on 09 July 2024
Community Input Sought on Welby Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation Project
Wingecarribee Shire Council is inviting the community to provide pre-lodgement feedback on the Development Application that has been prepared for the proposed closure and rehabilitation project of the former Welby Landfill located at 40 Colo Street, Welby. The project aims to formally close the site and allow for future limited community use.
The former Welby Landfill operated from 1957 to 2002, primarily accepting household and building and demolition waste. Landfilling ceased in 2002, with a capping layer placed over the site.
Closure is required to surrender the EPA license and enable future limited community use. The process involves removing specific materials, reshaping the landfill for stability, building new drainage, capping with clean soil, and revegetating with grasses for long-term care.
While the closure process is underway, the project area will be an active construction site for safety reasons. Therefore, public access to the landfill itself will be restricted for the entire duration of the works, estimated to last between 12-18 months.
The walking and mountain bike trails surrounding the landfill will remain mostly open, with some localised access restrictions implemented to ensure public safety during construction. This will primarily involve trails that currently cross the access road between the locked-gate and the weighbridge.
“We understand the importance of these trails for the community, and we're committed to minimising disruptions while prioritising safety during the closure process," said Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery, Karin Targa.
Following community feedback, a development application will be lodged seeking approval from the Southern Regional Planning Panel (not Council) to proceed with the project. Upon receiving development consent, tenders for the work will be issued. The Council aims to begin work on-site by mid-2025.
The future use of the site, including the possibility of expanding the existing mountain bike facility, will be determined through a separate planning and approval process. As this is Crown Land managed by Council, a Draft Plan of Management will be prepared and open for community consultation.
Council is committed to keeping the community informed and involved in the project. Two drop-in sessions will be held on Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at the Welby Community Hall (14 Currockbilly St, Welby) from:
Council representatives will be available to answer questions and receive feedback from residents. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required: https://participatewingecarribee.wsc.nsw.gov.au/welby-landfill-remediation-and-closure/welby-landfill-community-consultation
For more information on the Welby Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation project, please visit the Wingecarribee Shire Council Participate website: https://participatewingecarribee.wsc.nsw.gov.au/welby-landfill-remediation-and-closure