Consultation on new RRRP to commence in February 2021
Published on 14 December 2020
The Shire of Broome’s process of delivering a new Waste Management Facility has moved to the next stage, with the Council pledging to begin a community engagement process in February 2021.
The Buckleys Road Facility is nearing the end of its operational life. Over eight years, the Shire has investigated sites within a 60km radius of Broome, seeking a suitable site for a new waste management facility to provide critical waste management services for Broome.
Over the past year, industry experts have focused explorations on two preferred sites for a new Regional Resource Recovery Park (RRRP) that have the capacity to service the Shire’s waste needs for at least another 70 years.
Over the last 12 months, the two sites, which are on the outskirts of Broome’s township, have been the subject of a range of site investigations to gauge viability.
This has included cultural, flora and fauna surveys, hydrogeological, geotechnical and hydrological investigations, financial analysis and invaluable consultation with Broome’s Traditional Owners, Nyamba Buru Yawuru.
The findings from the site investigation works have been analysed and collated to inform a Site Comparison Report.
This body of work was presented to Broome Councillors and endorsed at Thursday night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council for the purposes of commencing community engagement, with an independent peer review of the document to now take place.
The findings from this report recommend the preferred option for development and will catalyse a decision to be made by Council on how to proceed with the RRRP.
It is important to note that Councillors will only consider the preferred location of the potential new RRRP site after community engagement has been undertaken.
Engagement will include a six-week consultation process that will begin on February 15, 2021 and include public displays and information sessions, as well as web-based updates, advertising and questionnaires.
All site investigations and reports will be made available to the public at this time.
The Council endorsement also authorised a land swap between the Shire and the Water Corporation to allow Water Corporation’s expansion of the Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Shire of Broome deputy president Desiree Male said the project was of critical importance to the town’s future waste needs.
“The Shire is acutely aware that the current facility at Buckleys Road has a finite lifespan and we have been exploring options for new Waste Management Facility sites for almost a decade,” she said.
“Extensive investigations have been undertaken at the two latest possible locations over 12 months.
“Before presenting the options to the community, it’s important that we undertake an independent peer review to impartially evaluate the scientific work undertaken.
“A six-week public consultation period to involve the community and receive their feedback and submissions on the locations and comparison of the sites will commence in February 2021.
“I understand this is a project that residents will want to have a say in – and as always, the Shire will provide numerous platforms for people to gather information and have an input.”
For more information, visit the RRRP FAQ page on the Shire website here.