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It's far more than a hole in the ground: sign up for Council’s landfill open day

Bega Valley Shire Council invites the community to explore the inner workings of the Central Waste Facility near Wolumla during an open day on 8 November from 9.30am to 11am.

All non-recycled waste from the Bega Valley Shire ends up in the CWF. Aerial image of the CWF, showing a partially filled Cell 4
All non-recycled waste from the Bega Valley Shire ends up in the CWF.

18 October 2023

Bega Valley Shire Council invites the community to explore the inner workings of the Central Waste Facility near Wolumla during an open day on 8 November from 9.30am to 11am.

Waste Services Manager, Alan Gundrill said the event will provide a unique opportunity for the community to gain insight into the multifaceted process of operating a landfill site.

“After seeing the place where every piece of the shire’s non-recycled waste ends up, we want people to think about effective waste reduction strategies at home,” Mr Gundrill said.

“Visitors will be taken on a guided tour of the facility, including an opportunity to see the vast and rapidly filling Cell 4.

“Since its inception in 2013, the Central Waste Facility has already filled three cells, with Cell 3 taking only two years to dig and fill—a stark reminder of the rate our landfill cells are filling.

"The key message we want people to take away is that choices made at home directly impact the pace at which landfill cells fill.

“Last year we disposed of approximately 26,000 tonnes of waste to landfill, but about 80% of those materials by weight could have been diverted to valuable and reusable resources.

“As we fill cells, we need to excavate more in different places. As it stands, we have permission to excavate just one more landfill cell at the CWF.

“Beyond this, there is potential for more landfill cells onsite pending a complex approval process and robust community engagement.”

Mr Gundrill said that in conjunction with the open day, Council has developed an online story offering a comprehensive view of the extensive efforts involved in landfill site management.

“If you can’t make it to the open day, the online story provides an immersive view into everything that goes into managing landfill at the CWF. It’s far more than just a hole in the ground,” Mr Gundrill said.

“Despite there being so much involved in operating this 200-hectare site, very few people actually know it is there. This comes from responsible management and good land stewardship, and we’re proud of this.”

Attending the CWF open day is free, but due to limited capacity, registration is required. Book your place using this online form. Explore the immersive story on Council’s website.

Making an enquiry

All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Engagement team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.

To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:

Councillors

Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Engagement team contact details above.

Receiving information

If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.

You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook  and Instagram.

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