Portland is one step closer to becoming landfill free as an extensive Glenelg Shire Council project edges towards completion.
The Portland landfill rehabilitation project is now in its final stages, which will see the former landfill safely re-purposed for future use.
The rehabilitation is the last element of the multi-million-dollar overhaul at the Derrill Road site, which has seen the construction of a dedicated transfer station and recycling centre.
Glenelg Shire Acting Director Assets Chris Saunders said the projects formed part of council’s transition to industry best practice.
“Many community members may not have been aware of the extensive works being undertaken at the former Portland Landfill. In 2013 council made a commitment to close and rehabilitate the licensed landfill and transition towards a temporary waste collection facility in line with current industry best practices,” he said.
“Over the past six years we have been steadily working with local contractors Mibus Bros to develop, construct and deliver a waste disposal site that is modern, user-friendly and, most of all, safe for future generations.
“As part of the rehabilitation process Mibus Bros have been installing features such as a new stormwater drainage system and a passive gas system. In fact, over the course of the latest stage of the project more than 25,000 cubic metres of clay and 60,000 cubic metres of soil have been installed, highlighting the sheer scale of work being undertaken.”
Mr Saunders said native grasses have also been seeded atop of the landfill for the potential use in future rehabilitation works around Glenelg Shire, as well as to provide habitat for native species such as the threatened Southern Brown Bandicoot.
“It is anticipated the major earthworks will be completed by the end of this year. This will allow for the final native plantings to be undertaken early next year, by which point the site will be completely rehabilitated and safe for long term use,” he said.
“We look forward to officially calling Glenelg Shire landfill free.”
