Council reveals largest landfill capping project

The equivalent of 20 football fields’ worth of landfill will be targeted in the biggest landfill capping job ever undertaken by Townsville City Council.

The Jensen landfill was officially closed in January 2019, as part of council’s rationalisation of waste processing infrastructure down to one landfill and five transfer stations at Stuart, Hervey Range, Magnetic Island, Toomulla and Bluewater

Work began earlier this month on the $20m Jensen landfill capping project, sealing it with an impermeable membrane, before covering it with topsoil and grass to appear like a natural hill.

The council-funded project was expected to take 18 months to complete, weather and project conditions permitting.

The end result will be a thriving natural habitat for native birds and insects.

Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairman Russ Cook said the “significant project” was the largest landfill capping job ever undertaken by council.

“We’re covering 135,000 square metres, or the equivalent to 20 footy fields, with contractors Mendi Constructions undertaking the work,” Cr Cook said.

“The works will include installing a landfill gas collection system under the liner, ensuring the gas produced by the landfill is captured and flared to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Cr Cook said Stuart landfill was the city’s only operational landfill. “We need to work together to extend its life by recycling as much of our waste as possible,” he said.

“Council completed the construction of one of the biggest landfill cell projects ever undertaken in the city last year, with 900,000 cubic metres of capacity across two cells.

“Unfortunately these cells fill very quickly, but we can work together to extend their lifespan by creating less waste … and move our community closer to creating a circular economy.” Ways to reduce home waste include throwing out fewer groceries, composting, and recycling correctly.

It was free to drop-off recyclables and green waste to the council’s resource recovery facilities. Council diverts 33 per cent of its waste from landfill, including 245.7 tonnes being diverted through councilowned tip shops.