Published on Monday, 20 July 2026 at 9:11:00 AM
Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) has moved to correct recent public commentary from one of its own member councils that has created confusion about the future of Tamala Park’s waste management services.
The Chair of MRC, Councillor Stephanie Proud JP, said recent statements in the media from the City of Wanneroo risked creating the incorrect impression that MRC was seeking to extend the landfill’s life or expand its footprint beyond its predicted closure in 2028/29.
The Tamala Park landfill site has accepted almost 10 million cubic metres of household waste over the past 35 years on behalf of its seven member councils and their residents. The landfill is now nearing the end of its operational life and remains on track for closure, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals and final works.
“MRC’s recent applications to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for approval to install a piggyback liner and a leachate management area are environmental protection works necessary to support the landfill as it approaches the end of its operating life,” said Cr Proud.
“These works do not increase the landfill footprint. They do not create a new landfill. They facilitate completion of the practical and regulated steps required to finish and rehabilitate the landfill.”
Cr Proud said it was also disappointing that statements from the City of Wanneroo had conflated landfill works with future waste management options, including waste-to-energy and FOGO processing.
“MRC has been working with its member councils for more than five years to secure long-term, responsible alternatives in anticipation of the closure of the landfill.
“The recent withdrawal of support by the Cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup for the waste-to-energy procurement process is disappointing, particularly given the time, cost and effort invested by all parties.”
Despite statements from the City of Wanneroo suggesting no FOGO facilities would be available to take Wanneroo’s waste in future, MRC has recently awarded a tender for FOGO processing services which has the capacity to accommodate all seven member councils and utilises MRC’s Neerabup resource recovery facility located within the City of Wanneroo. Contract negotiations are underway with the successful tenderer.
MRC has no current plans to close Tamala Park’s recycling, reuse and bulk waste disposal services. Those services remain an important part of the regional waste system used by thousands of local residents each week.
“MRC’s priorities are clear - protect the environment, close the landfill responsibly, maintain essential services and continue working with member councils on practical resource recovery solutions”, Cr Proud said.
“The community deserves accurate information. MRC will continue to provide that information and to advocate for the best environmental, service and value outcomes for the nearly 850,000 people who rely on our regional waste management services.”
ENDS
About MRC: Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) is one of Western Australia’s biggest waste management authorities, providing a comprehensive waste disposal service to local government authorities and residents in the Perth Metro Area.
For more information, visit mrc.wa.gov.au
Information for media: For enquiries relating to this release or any other questions from journalists regarding MRC, please contact communications@mrc.wa.gov.au or call 0417 252 227.
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