Geraldton council set to vote on bringing forward waste crushing operation due to strong financial position

The City of Greater Geraldton is considering bringing forward a project to crush thousands of tonnes of waste at a local facility after reporting a favourable financial position and a change to environment regulations. The item, if approved, would see 23,000 tonnes of construction and demolition rubble crushed at the Meru waste management facility at a cost of $1 million in this year’s annual budget. Chief executive Ross McKim wrote in the agenda forum document the city had savings and unbudgeted revenue for the 2024-25 financial year, and could bring forward the works. It was understood the construction and demolition rubble had been building up since the facility opened in the 1990s, with 20,000 tonnes crushed last year and reused to help construct the new transfer station. It was the previous limit imposed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, but as of December last year had increased to allow 60,000 tonnes to be crushed per year, until the legacy pile had been reduced. According to the document, doing this would allow the city to avoid a non-compliance by leaving the rubble, prepare the site for future development, and acquire materials to be used in construction or sold to third parties. Financial assistance grants, no reductions to the community sport and recreation facilities fund, and employee costs and water utilities being under-budget were all factors leading to the city’s beneficial financial position. The item was discussed at Tuesday’s council agenda forum, but was done so behind closed doors. Councillors will vote on whether or not to approve the item at the full council meeting on Tuesday, January 28.