Cessnock Waste Management Landfill Extension

  • Project typeConstruction
  • Project scheduleStage 1: August 2024 - March 2026 (Completion)
  • Contractor nameDaracon

Background

Cessnock City Council manages the Cessnock Waste Management Centre (CWMC), a key facility for waste disposal in the region. The CWMC includes a waste transfer station and a landfill for solid waste, operating under an Environmental Protection License and a Landfill Environmental Management Plan. Established in the 1970s, the site has served the community for several decades, ensuring responsible waste management.

As the existing landfill cell approaches capacity, a new cell is planned for construction approximately 400 metres northeast of the current location. This new cell will be developed in an area previously subject to mining and quarrying activities. Although the site has undergone some natural revegetation, it remains largely degraded. The construction contract for Stage 1 of the new landfill cell has been awarded to Daracon, marking a significant step in the ongoing waste management efforts of Cessnock City Council.

Scope of Works

This project is the first of four stages to be constructed as part of the landfill extension. This is the largest of the four stages due to the need to construct all the supporting infrastructure including roads, ponds, a new compound and provision of services. Construction of the four stages will provide landfill airspace for the community for the next 20 years.

This project involved:

  • Establishment of a 36ha biodiversity offset area on the site.
  • Constriction of Stage 1 of the new landfill cell.
  • Construction of a new leachate pond and sediment pond.
  • Construction of 1km of new access road.
  • Construction of a secured compound and storage area.
  • Lining of a total area equivalent to 12 soccer fields.
  • Capping of 30,000m2 of existing cell.
  • Stockpiling of 200,000m3 of excavated material for future use as capping material.
  • Removal of 6,000T of coal from the site.
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The key benefits of the project

  • Provides landfilling airspace for the next five years or 20 years over the four stages.Transforms a degraded former mine site into a productive resource
  • Ensure waste collection and landfilling continues to be undertaken by Cessnock City Council and secures local employment.
  • The project will lead to better environmental outcomes at the site through establishment of the biodiversity offset area, formal management and treatment of surface water through the site and construction of landfill systems with robust lining systems to prevent contamination with the environment.
  • The new cell has been constructed in accordance with EPA guidelines and best practices.

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