TAMWORTH Regional Council has committed to a more sustainable future with movement on two major projects.
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The Forest Rd landfill gas capture project and proposed organics recycling facility, have taken a step forward this week.
At council’s ordinary meeting, councillors endorsed a motion to appoint an external contractor to construct and operate the landfill gas project, as well as, adopting an operational model for council to own, and an external contractor to manage and operate, the proposed organic recycling facility.
Mayor Col Murray said it was great to see council adopt an environmentally sustainable future.
“We have received criticism in the past for not doing enough in terms of sustainability, so it’s pleasing to see these projects get up,” Cr Murray said.
The mayor was particularly excited to see the gas capture project progress and said it had the potential to bring in significant yield back to the region.
“Usually these things are just a big capital cost, but this has the capacity to give back,” he said.
“And it will address the ongoing issues with methane emissions off the Forest Rd site.
“This is the result of five or six years of working towards finding the best way forward.”
Council’s manager of water and waste operations, Dan Coe, also welcomed the endorsements.
“For the landfill gas capture project, we can now engage the successful contractor to build the infrastructure for the project and also commence operations,” Mr Coe said.
“We estimate that the construction may commence in late 2016, with the facility operational by May 2017.
“The operating model that was endorsed means that Council would own the facility however a contractor would manage and operate this on a day-to-day basis.”
Both projects also provide an opportunity for council to bid in an upcoming Emissions Reduction Fund Auction on November 16. However, councillors elected to only bid for the landfill gas capture project. Councillors agreed the gas capture project was well underway and better suited to the auction.
“If successful during the auction, it means we can offset some of the costs involved and utilise the project as an income stream, which is a great opportunity for Council. If we aren’t successful in our bid, the project will proceed as normal,” Mr Coe said.