SMART TECHNOLOGY TO BE TRIALLED AT WOWAN TRANSFER STATION

Council is set to crack down on illegal dumping with the installation of smart technology at unmanned waste transfer stations and landfills in the region.Mayor Nev Ferrier said that currently a large portion of illegal dumping is coming from areas outside the Shire.

“Waste that is illegal disposed of includes commercial and regulated wastes such as tyres, asbestos, chemicals, motor oils and builders waste,” he said.

To combat this issue, Council has invested in smart technology, including an automated gate security system, for unmanned and remote waste transfer stations and landfills, with the first being trialled at Wowan Transfer Station.

“Three waste transfer stations (Jambin, Wowan and Baralaba) have been selected as ‘trial’ sites prior to the Shire-wide rollout of the project,” Mayor Ferrier said.

“These sites were chosen because of their proximity to power connection, which is needed for the automated gates and also the 360, high definition motion camera.”

The camera will monitor activity once the resident has obtained access through the automated security gates.

“This data will provide Council with information on who is depositing what, how much, and whether it is appropriate material,” said Mayor Ferrier.

“Whilst general waste disposal will remain free to residents at our sites, we need to ensure that our transfer stations and landfills do not pose environmental risk to our community, and that they meet regulatory requirements.”

Commercial waste should only be deposited at the Trap Gully Landfill, Forestry Road, Biloela.

An official launch of the smart technology at Wowan Waste Transfer Station will be occurring later this month.

The education program for Council’s ‘Smart’ Waste Transfer Stations will be rolled out over a period of four to six months as the facilities systematically come online, and target the residents in the specific areas where the facilities are located.