February 25, 2025

What A Lot Of Waste!

The mayor for Hinchinbrook Shire, Ramon Jayo has addressed growing concerns regarding access to the Warrens Hill refuse facility, explaining that a combination of environmental and logistical challenges is currently limiting its availability.

The first point the Mayor addressed was that the council is tackling significant environmental issues at the site, particularly with leachate management and balancing waste deposits with water levels. The recent rainfall, totaling over 2000mm in just a few days, has further complicated matters.

In addition to these environmental concerns, the council is prioritising the urgent removal of flood-affected waste from the community. A large-scale effort is underway, with over twenty trucks and an equal number of excavators and loaders working tirelessly to clear the debris.  

The high volume of truck movements means that access for smaller vehicles is currently limited. The Mayor explained that in order to clear waste efficiently, the trucks must not be delayed by conventional vehicles, which would slow down the overall process.

The Mayor urged residents to keep in mind that the bulk of the rubbish in flood-affected areas has yet to be cleared. While some may still have small amounts of debris, the council's priority is to clear larger quantities from those who are still awaiting service.

Mayor Raymon Jayo also reassured the public that a second round of pick-ups for flood-affected goods will take place if necessary.

The Mayor asked for patience and understanding, emphasising the need to consider the wider community and the challenges faced by all.

Extreme levels of household waste prove a challenge to process at the Warrens Hill refuse facility. Photo supplied