TRC bins waste facility locale

THE future location of a new waste transfer facility southwest of Toowoomba is now uncertain, after the council voted to move it from its original destination.

Water and waste chair Cr Nancy Sommerfield’s motion at the ordinary meeting yesterday to repeal a June 2018 decision about the placement of the future Wyreema waste transfer facility on the intersection of Toowoomba-Karara

Rd and Franks Rd was endorsed.

The decision comes five months after neighbouring residents expressed concerns about the location of the facility, including access and transport issues.

Cr Sommerfield told her colleagues ongoing issues around fauna and flora at the previous location were partially behind the move.

“Recent investigations into the proposed waste facility have identified several significant constraints that have resulted in the proposed site being considered unsuitable for development,” she said.

“This includes issues relating to safe access to the facility, and limitations relating to the management of protected flora and fauna within the site.

“The development of landfill plans has further highlighted the potential to extend the life of several landfills beyond the current estimates.”

Cr Sommerfield said a review would be presented to the council for further consideration by July to determine the new location and consider the future of surrounding landfills.