New life for an old dump

A NOTORIOUS dump that has been a murder burial ground and home to Hollywood blockbusters is about to have a reincarnation.

The former Suntown Landfill at Arundel is to be turned into a green pad as part of a sustainability hub.

Council officers said substantial improvements in landfill gas management and the closure of cases relating to historical non-compliances at the site had allowed for a rethink about its future.

Council’s waste committee approved recommendations this week raised by area councillor Ryan Bayldon-lumsden. The changes include:

• The popular Mike Hatcher junior motorcycle club to remain on its current lease.

• The GC500 seek alternative storage for their race equipment and materials.

• Expansion of existing community bicycle recycling facilities.

• Creating a green organics pad to help ease congestion at other sites.

• Commercial lease for low-impact resource recovery materials collection.

• Staged development of a solar farm.

• Bushwalking tracks in the short term but impact to be determined on koalas and kangaroos.

The landfill, which opened in 1979, was closed in 2012, after many residents blamed health issues on the dump.

Council agreed to install in-house monitors after residents complained about potential explosions caused by methane gas leaks.

It was put in the national spotlight in 1999 when police found the remains of missing millionaire businessman Hamago Kitayama. His wife would be convicted of his murder.

Most recently, the old tip was used as a set for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic.

A council officer report says the changes at the closed Suntown Landfill will not contravene the terms of the 2017 class action settlement with residents, who would be assured that “landfilling will not occur in the future”.

Cr Bayldon-lumsden said the additional space for community groups, walking trails and protection of wildlife would be welcomed.

“It’s been well received by the community,” he said. “It’s an all-encompassing site and keeps it being important for this city.”

Waste committee chair Gail O’neill said the plans were “fantastic” and a green pad would ease pressures on facilities like Helensvale where that option was not being offered.

Councillor William Owen-jones believes the solar farm is the best option for land as the city waited for all gases to be removed from the former tip site.

“It’s actually the preferred place to have solar. It’s immediately adjacent to heavy industry as well,” he said.