The acquisition of the new site is now complete.

Council contractors have undertaken detailed studies of the site; including native vegetation assessments, cultural heritage due diligence, geotechnical investigations, and a site survey.

The project is now progressing to detailed design, informed by outcomes of the assessments and feedback from the community reference group.

A planning permit application will be submitted once the design is finalised. Construction will commence following receipt of the planning permit.

Site Confirmed for NEW Cann River Waste Transfer Station

Council determined in April 2023 to establish a community working group to explore alternative sites for a new Waste Transfer Station – which met regulatory requirements, community needs and could be developed within the allocated project budget.

A Community Reference Group was later formed, assisted by CRA consulting. Two workshops were held 3 May and 30 June 2023 – which resulted in a preferred site being nominated and assessed against a series of criteria established with community representatives.

Following a due diligence process and independent evaluation of the preferred site (located at 35 Coast Rd), negotiation with the landowner to purchase the preferred land parcel was completed. The intention of Council to purchase the land was publicly advertised late August 2023, with the land purchase being finalised 17^th November 2023.

There are a range of benefits of the subject site including:

• Separation buffers from any sensitive land uses or residences,
• Located immediately adjacent to the existing landfill entry road
• Predominantly clear of vegetation with limited land undulation
• Access to electricity adjoining western boundary
• Large site (approximately 100 acres) able to support longer term expansion and possible contingency waste management services during emergency events (where required).

With the assistance of the Community Reference Group, Council Officers will progress the detailed designs and commence the process of undertaking cultural heritage assessments and preparation of a planning permit application.

A map showing the location of the current Cann River Landfill and proposed new Waste Transfer Station - along with a picture of the Community Reference Group on-site is provided below.

• VCAT determined at a preliminary hearing held 2 March 2023 that there is a need for Council to reassess the planning application based on procedural matters, including the form of public notice provided and clarity of permit triggers being limited to native vegetation removal only.
• Council is mindful that delays in progressing the establishment of new facility may result in a reduced waste service for the Cann River community for a period of time and associated risk of illegal dumping.
• Recognising the importance of this project for the community and our environment, Council will continue to work with the community to ensure appropriate waste infrastructure can be secured. This will include a review of previously nominated locations and potential alternative arrangements. Following this work – it is likely that an amended planning permit application for the establishment of a waste transfer station facility will be submitted.
• Council encourages community members to follow the progress of the service transition on our website: https://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/cann-river-transfer where Officers are available to answer any further questions the community may have or alternatively, contact Council on (03) 5153 9500 or via email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

Council provided notice of its decision to grant a Planning Permit for a waste Transfer Station at Gauge Track, Cann River 22 October 2022.

This notice provides the opportunity for objections to be lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 28 days, following which a planning permit may be issued.

Two objections have since been lodged with VCAT, following which a practice day (preliminary) hearing was held on 17 February 2023. A secondary practice day hearing was however required and has been scheduled for 2 March 2023. Subject to directions of VCAT, the matter may proceed to mediation and / or formal VCAT hearing process prior to being determined.

Further updates will be provided to this page to keep community members informed.

Council encourages community members to follow the progress of the service transition on our website: https://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/cann-river-transfer where Officers are available to answer any further questions the community may have.

You can contact Council on (03) 5153 9500 or via email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au(External link).

Council would like to thank community members for their interest and feedback regarding the waste transfer station. The planning permit application for the transfer station has received a number of objections and is being assessed by Council's planning team. The next step is an independent mediation process which will take place in late July and then proceed to consideration at an open Council meeting. Council is committed to ensuring the community has the required waste disposal infrastructure necessary to function efficiently and encourages community members to follow the progress of the service transition through YourSay.

Council would like to take this opportunity to thank those community members participated in the recent review the proposal for the Cann Valley Waste Transfer Station and who attended the information sessions held on 6 October 2021.

Council is grateful for the time taken to provide the valuable feedback received. Council Officers have taken into consideration the concerns raised by the community about the development of the Transfer Station at Gauge Track off Tamboon Road and as a result have investigated several alternative sites which were proposed by a community working group committee established to advise Council.

These site investigations have revealed that the costs associated with removing existing vegetation and levelling off the land is more than can be justified making these other sites unviable. In light of this, Council will proceed with the only viable option available at the Gauge Track Site and will start seeking all necessary approvals shortly.

This decision was made using a comprehensive process that took into consideration the need to proceed as the existing Landfill at Cann River is reaching its end of life as well as the views presented by the working group. Council is committed to a smooth transition to the new site and service, ensuring the Community has the required waste disposal infrastructure necessary to function efficiently.

Council thanks community members for their interest and feedback and encourages community members to follow the progress of the service transition on our website: https://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/cann-river-transfer where Officers are available to answer any further questions the community may have.