The Waste Transfer Station (WTS) saga continues with the asbestos-contaminated facility tipped to fully re-open by the end of this year.
In February last year, the Serpentine Jarrahdale council opted to re-open the southern portion of the site with limited operations.
On February 13, the Examiner reported three skip bins would be allocated for green waste, two for hard waste and one for metal recyclables, with locals to receive two free passes each year to use at the station.
Verge collection has remained an option for residents since the partial re-opening of the WTS.
Shire President Rob Coales said the final cost of completely re-opening the site couldn’t be confirmed until tenders were awarded.
However, in Shire faces whopping WTS bill (Examiner, July 4, 2024), it was reported ratepayers could be charged with a more than $5.5 million remediation bill if the site was to re-open.
Mr Coales said more than $1.1 million had been spent on verge collections and illegal dumping in 2024-25.
In 2024-25, Mr Coales said the shire received 677 customer requests about illegal dumping, averaging 56 per month.
Meanwhile, in 2023-24 and 2022-23, there were 428 and 439 customer requests for illegal dumping collections recorded, respectively.
Mr Coales said the shire didn’t currently have plans to open a second waste facility as there were no suitable, cost-effective options available.
The shire’s August 2025 future options for a WTS report identified potential sites to accommodate the needs of a projected population of 100,000 residents by 2050.
The report said council should consider a facility within the west Mundijong industrial area (WMIA).
“Considering also, 1) the current waste transfer facility being re-established at the Watkins Road location; 2) the operations centre having undergone a number of improvements and; 3) the pound being redeveloped at its current location, securing a site for a waste transfer station now is not considered strategically necessary or pressing at this time,” the report said.
Four sites were analysed in the report: Lot 500 Lampiter Drive, Lot 105 WMIA, Lot 106 WMIA and Keysbrook Reserve.
Lot 105 WMIA was the only location which met all of council’s criteria for a future WTS.
“It is highly aligned with the planning framework, offers excellent accessibility, and provides sufficient land area to support a scalable facility,” the report said.
“Its location within a designated industrial precinct ensures compatibility with surrounding land uses and reduces the likelihood of land use conflict.
“It comprises essential size criteria to co-locate with the operations centre and future animal management pound. It is central and accessible to the Shire’s community.”
However, the price tag significantly exceeded the shire’s budget, with the lot being valued at $8.98m plus GST.
