Recycling and resource recovery giant SUEZ (formerly SITA Australia) announced a pullback from the Allawuna Farm proposal after the company’s acquisition of Perthwaste last month.
SUEZ general manager for WA Nial Stock said the $87 million purchase of Perthwaste included an operating landfill at North Bannister, two waste transfer stations, two materials recycling facilities, three depots and a composting facility.
“While the Allawuna Farm project was acknowledged as an environmentally safe and appropriate development for the site, the Perthwaste acquisition delivered additional waste management infrastructure to SUEZ in WA which removed the need for the new landfill facility,” Mr Stock said.
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READ NOWThe York community fought the landfill proposal since 2012, when the Gazette revealed SITA was in talks with the Shire of York. Nearby farmers led one of two campaigns to stop development of the landfill site 18km from the historic inland town.
Kay Davies said while she was “thrilled” with the outcome, at her lowest point she had considered selling up.
She called on the State Government to act on waste disposal alternatives to landfill and implement new policy.
“It’s wonderful to think there won’t be contamination affecting our land and water and to know future generations won’t have to endure what would have been on our doorstep,” she said.
“But I feel let down by the Government.
“New policy on waste disposal is needed; there are a handful of alternatives to landfill.”
Ms Davies campaigned alongside farmer Robyn Davies, whose property borders Allawuna Farm about 1km at the rear boundary.
She said they were involved in numerous mediations, directions and tribunals during the planning process for the tip.
“I could not quantify how many hours Kay and I put into this campaign, but it was all worth it,” she said.
The pair received nominations for the 2016 Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award.
Shire of York President David Wallace said the outcome was a positive result for the ratepayers of York.
The council has taken action to protect agricultural land and prohibit landfill within the Shire.