Mildura is on the cusp of a transformational change to the way waste services are managed in our region, including transitioning the Mildura Landfill to public open space, which will result in a more financially sustainable and cleaner future for the Mildura region.
The Draft Waste Services Strategy 2026-2036 has been released for community feedback and includes several key actions:
- Expand waste education initiatives that drive behaviour change, boost recycling and reduce waste generation
- Mildura Landfill will stop burying waste on-site from 2028-2029
- The weighbridge and state-of-the-art Mildura Transfer Station will continue to operate from the existing landfill site, offering the same services and convenience it does now for residents and businesses
- Waste previously buried at the Mildura Landfill will be transported to the upgraded Buronga Landfill site as part of a collaborative arrangement with Wentworth Shire Council
- Expand the range of accepted materials at waste facilities to increase waste diversion
- Investigate feasibility of potentially expanding kerbside services to the Millewa
- Review Ouyen Landfill operating hours
- Review use of our rural transfer stations
- Investigate feasibility of a hard waste collection service.
Councillor for Environmental Sustainability Jodi Ewings said the overarching aims of the strategy are to deliver waste and resource recovery services that are sustainable, financially responsible and responsive to community needs.
"This comprehensive strategy will guide our work over the next decade to reduce waste going to landfill, improve recycling outcomes and increase understanding in our community of the correct way to dispose of waste," Cr Ewings said.
"By achieving these objectives it will also support a more circular local economy."
She said the strategy proposed some of the biggest changes and advancements in waste services in our region in decades.
"This really is an exciting and pivotal time, which will set us up for the next 10 years in terms of how waste is managed in our region," Cr Ewings said.
"The biggest change is obviously the move to stop burying waste at our landfill and transporting this waste to the Buronga Landfill, which is a win-win for communities on both sides of the Murray River.
"For residents and businesses that pass through the weighbridge and dispose of their waste, there will be no change. You'll still have the convenience of a centrally-located site to drop off your waste, recyclables, green waste and other items. It's just what happens to that waste that has changed.
"And by disposing this waste at the Buronga Landfill, we'll be significantly cutting down on the millions of dollars in EPA levies we've been paying, as Councils in regional New South Wales aren't required to pay a levy.
"This reduces costs on our side of the river, while providing additional income for the Buronga Landfill and Wentworth Shire Council through gate fees to cover operational costs.
There will also be cost savings in not having to bury waste at the Mildura Landfill from an operational perspective.
"Importantly, the savings it will generate for Council will be reinvested into recycling improvements, reuse and recovery opportunities, less contamination and community education - all of which will help reduce waste in our region and result in a cleaner place to live."
To view and have your say on the Draft Waste Services Strategy 2026-2036 visit yoursay.mildura.vic.gov.au/waste
