Restoring
the area’s environmental values and encouraging recreation activity are key
features of a new plan for the future of the Drysdale landfill site.
Council
last night adopted the Drysdale Landfill Post Closure Landscape Plan, which
outlines how the site will be rejuvenated.
Deputy
Mayor Trent Sullivan said the plan was modified to adopt popular features from
a range of potential options presented to the community last year.
“The three
options helped generate some great feedback, and it showed there was community
support for different elements of each overarching theme.
“The
adopted Landscape Plan has a strong environmental focus, while providing
opportunities for a variety of activities, such as cycling, dog walking and
horse riding.”
More
than 50 survey submissions were received during the consultation in September
and October 2021, which found:
- A desire to improve the local environment and community access
- Support for continued creek restoration works; and
- Support for multiple recreation uses, such
as walking, cycling and equestrian paths, as well as an off-lead dog area.
Council
committed to consult the community if any changes were proposed to the
management of the storm water dam and discharge management plans.
External
funding opportunities will be sought to support the project, which has an
estimated net cost of $1.21 million.
Works
will begin in 2022-23 and be progressively completed as landfill operations
end.
Bellarine
Councillor Jim Mason, chair of the Environment portfolio said the Landscape
Plan would create significant natural habitats and improve storm water quality,
encouraging more birdlife and wildlife.
“Gradual
improvements will result from the work to restore the natural topography and
indigenous vegetation of the site,” Cr Mason said.
“The
site will be transformed through the rehabilitation of multiple ponds,
retention of an open lake, and revegetation of Grassy Woodland areas to create
a new parkland.
“The
design will include access for cycling, walking, horse riding and running the
dog off lead - room for all!”
The
primary waste disposal facility in the municipality, the Drysdale landfill has
operated since 1983 and receives about 100,000 tonnes of waste and 55,000
visitors each year.
The site
has a range of current and former land uses.
These
include active landfill cells, previously rehabilitated landfill cells, a
resource recovery centre, storm water and leachate dams, and a disused quarry.