The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Council has endorsed a plan to reopen the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station, marking the next step in planning for the long-term future of waste services in the Shire.
The tip was shut down indefinitely in October 2023 following the discovery of asbestos. The facility has been classed as a ‘Contaminated Site – Possibly Contaminated’ by the WA Government since 2008.
At its March meeting, Council agreed to cap and rehabilitate the contaminated part of the site and undertake a limited re-development of the southern portion of the facility, enabling its reopening.
The Shire has confirmed it will now commence planning for a modern long-term waste facility at the West Mundijong Industrial Area.
The decisions, which follow on from Council’s decision in February 2025 to allow limited green waste, bulk waste and metals, will allow the site to reopen and manage long-term environmental risks. They will also save ratepayers costs by reusing soil already on site as part of rehabilitation works for the contaminated part of the site, said Shire President, Rob Coales.
“Council’s decisions about the Watkins Road Waste Transfer Station are part of a clear plan for how we manage the Shire’s future waste needs as our community continues to grow,” said Mr Coales.
“As the fastest-growing local government in Western Australia, we have to think ahead and make choices that are practical, affordable and sustainable.
“Restoring a local waste facility has been a consistent message from our community, and this decision provides a straightforward pathway to reopen essential services as soon as possible. It focuses on delivering these safely and efficiently.
“We have also been very mindful of cost. This approach avoids significant rehabilitation and infrastructure expenses that would not deliver long-term value for ratepayers, while still managing environmental risks responsibly.
“Most importantly, this decision resolves a complex issue in a way that protects both the environment and the community.
“At the same time, we are undertaking the planning needed for a modern, long-term waste facility that can properly support the Shire as it continues to grow,” he said.
He said work on the site was already significantly advanced, with the transfer station on track to reopen later this year subject to regulatory approvals.
Unlike the Watkins Road site, securing a new waste management facility in West Mundijong will provide the space, access and infrastructure to support modern waste services well into the future, the Council said in a statement.
