Some community members have said they’re unhappy with the proposal and wanted the transfer stations to stay open.
Sustainable Communities acting director Rosanne Kava said significant infrastructure upgrades and capital works were needed across the three transfer stations to bring them up to best practice.
“A 2020 study on council transfer stations projected the estimated costs at $300,000 per site for upgrading the three sites proposed for closure,” Ms Kava said.
“This includes stormwater upgrades as well as the construction of new infrastructure to manage glass, food waste, e-waste, batteries, gas cylinders and tyres.
“Noting the low attendance at these sites, coupled with the significant investment required in upgrading them, continued operation of these sites would further exacerbate these costs.”
She acknowledged illegal dumping did occur across the shire and said it would likely continue regardless of any site closures and was largely behaviourally driven.
Ms Kava said council had been working with potentially affected communities and taking feedback by phone, email, mail, online and by drop-in feedback sessions; she said council had already received a wide range of views.
“We have also been in discussions with the kerbside waste provider to investigate the potential for an expansion of service boundaries in some areas to aid in community transition,” she said.
If the closures do go ahead, the transfer stations would likely shut in early 2023, which would be immediately followed by works to rehabilitate the sites.
The Moira Shire Council website is open to feedback, comments and suggestions on the closures until Friday, September 30.
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