FAQs
Is it a tip or transfer site?
The proposal is for a Transfer Station. A transfer station will accept local waste in large bins. Structures and access need to be constructed to provide safe access to these bins.
Waste will be transported within the large bins to the Bairnsdale Regional Landfill for disposal. Modern Transfer Stations, such as the one planned for Cann River and District, are far better equipped to support the recovery, re-use and recycling of waste, that would otherwise end up in landfill. The facility will also cater for green waste and scrap metal.
The construction of small local landfills are no longer approved by the EPA and are not viable to operate in accordance with stringent modern environmental standards. Following the rehabilitation of the Cann River Landfill after construction of a new Transfer Station, the Bairnsdale Regional Landfill will accept all of East Gippsland’s waste.
Who will the new facility service?
Historically the existing Cann River Landfill site has accepted waste from other communities. This included all waste from Mallacoota and Genoa, including kerbside. This will no longer occur and the new Transfer Station will service only the local Cann River and District community.
Some smaller transfer trailers servicing communities including Tamboon and Combienbar, may still be emptied at a Cann River Transfer Station.
Why has the existing Landfill site, located off Old Coast Road, not been considered?
This site has been considered however is not viable.
The existing landfill site off Old Coast Road will be subject to an EPA approved capping and rehabilitation. EPA guidelines specify that closed landfills are not suitable sites for buildings or structures, as landfill gas emitted from the cap presents a safety risk and the capping of a landfill is not a stable platform to build on.
The vegetated areas next to the existing landfill are subject to strict planning controls. The removal of significant vegetation near the existing landfall is not considered viable, as it will require the purchase of an amount and type of offset credit that is not readily available.
Didn’t Butters farm or Parks Victoria offer more land within the Old Coast Road area, which would mean just a remake of existing tip?
Council has engaged with DELWP to assess a variety of sites across a range of locations. The only suitable site which has been offered to East Gippsland Shire Council is the site located off Tamboon Road. Council has actively sought alternative locations, however, none have met the relevant standards and planning requirements for a Transfer Station.
Will the rubbish or pollution go into the river located directly behind the proposed new site?
New Transfer Stations in Australia are held to high environmental standards. The design will include fencing to prevent windblown rubbish and other controls to prevent any other form of contamination entering the environment. Waste is stored securely in large bins prior to transport to the Bairnsdale Landfill. The site will not process hazardous chemicals or substances. A full Native Vegetation and biodiversity report was required to be compiled as part of discussions with DELWP to assess viability of the site.
Will the extra heavy truck movements cause damage to Tamboon Road?
As less kerbside waste and no waste from other Transfer Stations will be disposed of at the new Transfer Station, truck movements will be far less than to the existing Landfill site, only a few per week.
Council is aware that Tamboon Road requires pavement improvements in some sections. These works are currently being planned. A Road Safety Audit will also be undertaken shortly, to identify any further safety improvements, such as shoulder sealing and signage. Council is eager to hear feedback on any other suggested improvements to Tamboon Road.
Will this project increase traffic through town and past School Zones, and has it taken into consideration holiday traffic along Tamboon Road?
On average the current Cann River Landfill receives less than 8 customers per day. It is expected that this amount of traffic will not result in any significant change to the existing traffic volumes of Tamboon Road, however a Road Safety Audit will be undertaken to assess for any potential improvements to improve safety.
Will a large truck be able to negotiate the road?
An independent Road Safety Audit will be undertaken to identify any existing risks, and any that might arise from the project, with relevant suggested treatments implemented.
Wouldn’t a site on the main road where trucks do not enter town or have to drive though residential, school or local zones, be a better location?
Council has engaged with DELWP to assess a variety of sites across a range of locations, with the site located off Tamboon Road the only one that has met relevant standards and planning requirements for a Transfer Station. A new Transfer Station facility is not anticipated to have a meaningful impact on traffic volumes in Cann River.
What consultation was held with local residents when considering the proposed location? Were any locals or support groups consulted?
Until recently this site had not been confirmed as viable and as such consultation could not be carried out. Now that the site has been confirmed as viable, we are able to engage with the community and will be doing so on Wednesday 6 October at in person information sessions. Please also ask any questions or leave a comment in the comments section on the Your Say page.