Regional councils across NSW can now access $6 million in funding to modernise landfills, receive specialist advice, build transfer stations, and close high-risk sites to reduce environmental impacts.
Trish Doyle, Member for Blue Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, is encouraging Blue Mountains City Council to apply for the grants under Round 5 of the Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvement Program.
The initiative tackles waste management challenges and offers financial support across three targeted streams:
- Up to $300,000 for consolidating landfills and closing landfills, and building transfer stations
- Up to $250,000 for site upgrades
- Up to $25,000 for professional services such as feasibility studies, closure plans, engineering designs and education courses
Projects could include shutting high-risk unlicensed or outdated sites and redirecting waste to lined, engineered facilities which will:
- Boost operational efficiency
- Make communities healthier
- Protect the environment
- Streamline waste management systems
Applications to improve landfills in regional levy-paying and non-levy areas are open until 21 March 2025, and a panel of industry experts will assess eligible proposals.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/councils/landfill
Quotes attributable to NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe:
“This $6 million program will transform waste infrastructure across regional and remote NSW, delivering cleaner, healthier communities by reducing impacts like odour, dust, contamination and illegal dumping.
“It empowers local councils to tackle legacy waste issues by closing poorly performing, under resourced or full landfills, and overhauling sites to meet updated environmental standards.
“The program also connects local councils with specialists to better manage existing landfills, helping to extend their life.
“This opportunity builds on a proven track record. Between 2014 and 2018, the program awarded $12 million to improve 89 sites, establish 37 transfer stations and close 57 landfills.
“Extending this help for a fifth round means local government will have the resources it needs to manage waste more sustainably, create better local outcomes, and safeguard communities for future generations.”
Quotes attributable to Trish Doyle MP:
“This funding is a fantastic opportunity for the Blue Mountains to transform waste facilities and protect the environment. By supporting site upgrades and building transfer stations, we’re ensuring reliable access to waste services and a cleaner, healthier future for everyone in our community.
“High-risk and outdated landfills pose a threat to our local environment and community. These grants will allow councils to close unsafe sites, rehabilitate the land and redirect waste to safer, more efficient facilities.
“I encourage our local council to apply for this funding and take the next step to review how waste is managed at landfills, while also benefiting from expert advice to boost operational efficiency and deliver better outcomes for our region.”
