Cut back transfer stations

Council told eight too many

Written by SALLY EVANS. - Wangaratta Chronicle 16 Feb 09

A RATIONALISATION of transfer stations in the Rural City of Wangaratta has been proposed

by the region’s leading waste management group.

NevRwaste, as part of its new regional waste management plan, has suggested that closure of some transfer stations may allow resources to improve services at others.

It has concluded that council operates eight transfer stations, one in Wangaratta and seven in rural locations, which is a higher level of service than neighboring municipalities.

Council, however, has expressed concerns about what impact this may have on users of the facilities.

A report tabled at its January council meeting said the stations are located at longstanding local facilities at closed landfills, and are within 10km of many areas of the municipality.

"In most rural areas, there are roads that can not be accessed for kerbside garbage collection," the report reads.

"Transfer stations service these ratepayers and allow for disposal of large, often recyclable, items.

"In past reviews, council has chosen to retain the sites but limit opening times."

NevRwaste has also suggested the rationalisation of the Wangaratta and Benalla landfills.

"A study is planned to determine the most cost effective manner in which to fill both Wangaratta and Benalla landfills," the draft waste management plan reads.

"If the results of this study indicate that these sites could be efficiently managed in a collaborative manner, then the sequence of filling may be altered."

NevRwaste is expected to develop the final plan next month following feedback from the public and councils, and will be presented to the rural city again in April for final adoption.