Redland City Council has begun a $7 million project to rehabilitate the Birkdale Landfill site, including improving access to the facility for users.

Council’s waste infrastructure spokesperson Cr Paul Gleeson said the works would see closed landfill cells rehabilitated and re-vegetated, as well as the construction of a new gate bypass lane.

“Since 2011 general waste has been transferred to sites in Brisbane City, no longer going into landfill cells at Birkdale,” Cr Gleeson said.

“This has given us the opportunity to plan, and now carry out, specific remediation works to reduce the environmental impacts of the old landfill.

“This 12-18 month project, required by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, will see areas being capped and re-vegetated with grass cover to improve water and stormwater quality.

“These works will also limit greenhouse gas emissions that occur as waste breaks down by capturing and using the gases to generate electricity.

“To improve site efficiency, a new gate bypass lane will be constructed, making a great difference to people wanting to access the greenwaste disposal area in peak periods.

“There may be some delays at Birkdale Waste Transfer Station, particularly once the works reach the northern area of the site around July, but Council is working hard to ensure effects on residents are minimised.

“We will continue to keep the community updated during the landfill works and give advance advice if we expect any significant changes to site operations or access.

“We appreciate our residents’ patience during works as the short-term disruptions will be far outweighed by the significant and ongoing environmental benefits that will come from this site being properly remediated.”

Redlands-based civil and mining construction business Earthpro Pty Ltd, have been contracted to undertake the work, which will mainly be scheduled for weekdays, with no site works to take place on Sundays or public holidays.

Those visiting Birkdale Waste Transfer Station are asked to follow directions from site staff and obey traffic control measures to ensure the safety of all users and staff. Residents can also stay up to date with the progress of the works by visiting Council’s website.