Council undertakes record landfill capping work
Date published: 21 April 2023
The biggest landfill capping job ever undertaken by Townsville City Council is underway, with the equivalent of 20 football fields’ worth of landfill area being capped at Jensen.
As part of its commitment to growing Townsville’s circular economy and moving towards zero waste, Council is rehabilitating the landfill site to look like a natural hill.
The project includes shaping the landfill mass, sealing it with an impermeable membrane and covering it with topsoil and grass. This process will convert the current site into a natural asset that will be able to become a habitat to native birds and insects.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said the works would transform the site into a safe and amenable space in the future.
“Council is working with the community and business owners to lead the city towards zero landfill, including diverting 60 per cent of material from landfill by 2026. As part of our commitment to this goal, we are rehabilitating the Jensen landfill to help protect our environment,” Cr Cook said.
“This is a significant project, as it’s 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.
“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 reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Cr Cook said these works meant the city only had one operational landfill.
“Stuart landfill is our operational landfill, and 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. Easy ways to reduce waste at home include throwing out fewer groceries, composting more, and recycling right. You can also take advantage of our free drop-off for recyclables and green waste at our resource recovery facilities all year round.
“By working together we can maximise the life of the cells at Stuart and move our community closer to creating a circular economy.”
The Jensen landfill capping project is worth about $20 million.
Council manages five waste transfer stations and one landfill, diverting 33 per cent of its waste from landfill, including 245.7 tonnes being diverted through Council-owned tip shops.
