Waste facility works progress after flood damage

REMEDIATION works are underway at Lismore’s flood-damaged Recycling and Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road.

The landfill cell at the facility was severely affected by the 2022 floods and has remained inactive. More than $15 million in federal and state funding has been secured under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to restore the site and manage environmental impacts.

Emergency management minister Kristy McBain said the investment would help ensure the facility was better prepared for future severe weather.

“The Albanese Government knows how hard the 2022 floods hit Lismore, and I am pleased that this investment will help make sure the Recycling and Recovery Centre is better prepared for future severe weather,” McBain said.

“Through betterment funding, the Australian and NSW Governments are supporting upgrades that will keep this site running safely during and after natural disasters.”

Early works to dry out and reinstate the landfill are progressing, with Pentacon appointed to complete the remediation through Lismore City Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio.

A further $3.6 million from the jointly funded Infrastructure Betterment Fund will be used for upgrades to improve the centre’s resilience to future floods.

Planned works include a new access road to separate heavy vehicles from the public, a new entranceway, and measures to remove vehicle queuing from Wyrallah Road. Construction is expected to start later this year.

Council general manager Eber Butron said the flood impact on the landfill cell was significant, forcing waste to be transported to other facilities for disposal and adding to operational costs.

“We are actively working to resume landfill operations locally to reduce these costs and provide a welcome saving for our community,” Butron said.

Recovery minister Janelle Saffin said the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre provided an essential community service for commercial and household waste.