Background on Tamala Park Landfill Dispute
Perth’s northern councils are divided over the future of the Tamala Park landfill, as residents continue to complain about its odour. The towns of Cambridge and Victoria Park, along with the cities of Vincent and Stirling, have supported pre-closure works at the site, while Wanneroo and Joondalup councils push for an earlier closure.
Mindarie Regional Council's Plan
Landfill operator Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) plans to close the landfill in 2029 and is seeking approval from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for a new “piggyback landfill cell”. This infrastructure would allow the site to operate to its final capacity within its existing footprint, which MRC says is essential for closure.
A piggyback cell is a barrier laid over an existing waste mass, enabling additional material to be placed above it. MRC accepts waste from its seven member councils: Wanneroo, Joondalup, Stirling, Cambridge, Perth, Vincent and Victoria Park.
Opposing Views on Closure Timeline
Joondalup and Wanneroo councils both want the landfill’s closure brought forward, demanding an end to any new infrastructure or works approvals that could extend its life. This follows years of odour complaints from residents in surrounding suburbs.
However, a motion by Cambridge deputy mayor Ben Mayes, passed at its June 30 meeting, stated that failing to undertake the additional works “may constitute a significantly increased environmental and financial risk to the MRC, and consequently its member local governments”.
Environmental and Financial Risks
An accompanying report by Cambridge staff detailed concerns about not following MRC’s approach, saying it would increase the risk of leachate (contaminated liquid from waste) seeping into the surrounding environment and impacting groundwater. Long-term environmental impacts and remediation would be the responsibility of the MRC and its member councils.
The report described the piggyback liner as “risk mitigation infrastructure necessary to support environmentally responsible closure”. It noted councils’ differing approaches but said they were all in “broad alignment” of closing the landfill as early as practicable, and their positions were not competing or mutually exclusive. “It is understood that earlier closure can be pursued concurrently with the implementation of appropriate environmental works necessary to achieve closure with the least long-term environmental risk,” the report said.
Support from Other Councils
Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon and Vincent mayor Alison Xamon tabled similar motions at their respective council’s June meetings. They noted it was nearly a year since MRC had sought approval for its piggyback liner, and delays could jeopardise the “orderly and environmentally responsible ongoing management of the landfill” leading up to its closure. They sought clarity for councils so they could plan for the tip’s closure and subsequent alternate waste disposal arrangements.
Stirling councillor Stephanie Proud’s motion at the July council meeting also expressed concern about approval delays, claiming it could cause “unquantifiable environmental and financial risks for both the MRC and the member councils and inhibit the ability to properly plan waste services for 850,000 residents in the metro region”.
Impact on Residents and Future Plans
The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing environmental responsibility with community concerns. The MRC maintains that the piggyback liner is necessary for a safe closure, while Wanneroo and Joondalup argue that any extension of the landfill’s life is unacceptable to residents. The outcome of the approval process will determine the timeline for closure and the future of waste disposal for hundreds of thousands of Perth residents.
