History of the Site

Built with a 25-year life expectancy in mind — Council now wants another 20 years, with no strategy, no assessment, and no consultation.

Simplified illustration of a lighthouse on a hill overlooking the ocean with stylized waves in the foreground.
Simplified illustration of a lighthouse on a hill overlooking the ocean with stylized waves in the foreground.

Self-governed, Self-reported

The current site as with the now contaminated former site (Rendevouz Road) has been self-governed by the Shire of Busselton, with limited independent accountability, and that its operating history includes repeated licence breaches.

Who audits Vidler Road to ensure license compliance?  With continued license breaches recently uncovered by residents, it raises the questions: Are there others?  Is the waste being verified on entry? 

A timeline infographic showing the development of a site from the 1980s to 2018. In the 1980s, the site was a sand site converted to landfill and liquid waste. By 2018, investigation was required, heavy metals and PFAS are monitored, licenses extended, and current licenses expire in 2030.

Historical Context of Vidler Road Waste Management Facility

So why is Council seeking a significant expansion prior to 2030? What happens if license extension not approved and infrastructure cost incurred? Logical process is to have license approvals then spend money on infrastructure?