By MATT NICHOLLS
A DECISION on building a new landfill could be just a month away, according to Armidale Dumaresq councillors.
Deputy mayor Jenny Bailey said she thought the councillors were on the cusp of making the call, most likely at next month’s ordinary council meeting on 28 April.
“I believe we are very close to a final decision, and I am pleased to say that,” Cr Bailey said.
“Hopefully this dispels any thoughts within the public that this decision has been blocked for the sake of blocking.”
Armidale councillors will meet with key council staff next Monday evening for a private workshop to discuss the latest report submitted to the council, which reviewed the council’s four-year-old waste strategy.
The workshop was called by mayor Laurie Bishop on Monday night.
Cr Bailey said it was more than likely the majority of councillors would agree to move forward on building a new landfill.
“I still have reservations on the financial side of building a new landfill,” she said.
“I am happy to proceed, but I am concerned about potential cost blow-outs.”
Fellow councillor Herman Beyersdorf said it was time to move forward and build a new landfill, which has been estimated to cost around $15 million.
“It’s high time we moved on this vital issue, as we have a window of opportunity which may be as small as six months between the time the current landfill is full, and the completion of the new landfill,” he said.
“This margin is already too narrow for comfort, so we must move on a new landfill immediately, as well as keep on developing our total waste strategy, which has already made us a leader in this area in regional NSW and beyond.”
Should the councillors vote to proceed with building a new landfill, the council would need to purchase the proposed parcel of land, located 12km east of Armidale and accessed via Waterfall Way.
