$10 million Gwandalan clean-up bill inaccurate, says Mayor

Wyong Mayor, Warren Welham, has hit out at claims that Wyong Shire Council will face fines and clean-up costs of $10 million at the closed Gwandalan landfill site.

Councillor Welham said the figures being suggested were pure speculation designed to frighten ratepayers.

“The removal of waste from the closed Gwandalan landfill site only began this week,” Cllr Welham said.

“While it’s acknowledged that there will be substantial costs involved in cleaning-up the site, claims of $10 million in fines and clean-up costs are alarmist and irresponsible.

“The Clean-up Notice from the Department of Conservation and Climate Change (DECC) has directed Council to remove all of the waste appropriately.

“Because Council is under the direction of DECC as to how much waste to remove, it is premature at this stage to speculate on clean-up costs.”

Mayor Welham said following the clean-up, Council would undertake further rehabilitation works at the site.

“Council has a number of closed landfill sites around the Shire including Gwandalan, Tumbi Umbi and Mardi,” he said.

“A substantial amount of funds have been allocated to carry out major rehabilitation works at each of these sites over the next 5-10 years.

“These works are being undertaken as a result of waste management practices that were acceptable more than 30 years ago but are not permitted today.

“Every Council in NSW followed similar waste management practices and are now undertaking similar rehabilitation programs at their closed landfill sites.”

Mayor Welham added the rehabilitation of former landfill sites provided many benefits to the community.

“At Bateau Bay we are turning the former landfill site and nearby degraded playing fields into parkland and rejuvenated sports fields which will provide quality sporting and leisure facilities to residents living in that part of the Shire.”

Media contact: Steve Norris 02 4350 5191 or 0434 323 782

Page last updated: 25/07/2008