Tackling illegal dumping: Changes in operations at Laura and Lakeland Waste Transfer Stations and an invitation to “Trash Talk” events

Effective 8 July 2024, the Laura Waste Transfer Station will transition from an un-manned, 24/7 operation to a managed service with specific operating hours.

The Laura facility will be open from 8 am to 12 pm on Thursdays and from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sundays. Council will also be reintroducing applicable fees and charges for waste disposal at Laura.

Mayor Robyn Holmes stated:

"The changes are necessary to ensure the facility is managed responsibly and safely. By re-establishing a managed service, we aim to provide a more consistent and reliable waste disposal option that aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and public health."

Council has taken this decision in response to increasing instances of illegal dumping at the Laura facility, which have raised significant health and safety concerns. The ongoing costs associated with cleaning and maintaining the facility have become unsustainable. Without these changes, the Council risks breaching environmental health and safety regulations. 

Additionally, as part of a broader strategy standardised levels of service to regional communities in the southern part of the Shire, the Lakeland facility – currently staffed and open 6 days a week – will scale back services to 2 days per week. From the 1 July 2024, the Lakeland facility will be open 12 pm to 4 pm on Tuesdays, and from 7 am to 11 am on Saturdays, with applicable fees and charges for waste disposal remaining in place.

The reintroduction of managed hours at the Laura Waste Transfer Facility will enhance service levels to the community and support a cleaner and safer environment for residents and visitors alike. While the scaled back of hours at the nearby Lakeland facility, standardises the levels of services provided to these communities.

“Laura and Lakeland are key service towns for tourists travelling through Cape York Peninsular, this comes with unique challenges for waste management, so ensuring community members and tourists alike have access to clean, effective and efficient waste management is paramount,” said Mayor Holmes.

‘TRASH TALK’ COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS

Community members are encouraged to meet with Council teams at a series of "Trash Talk" community information sessions being held in Laura, Lakeland and Cooktown.

At these meetings, Councillors and council staff will be on hand to discuss the operational changes to waste transfer facilities at Laura and Lakeland, and the forthcoming changes to green waste disposal in Cooktown, as well as the need to introduce a new fees and charges structure.

Event details are as follows:

Laura
Laura Town Hall
Friday, 5 July 2024
11 am – 1 pm.

Cooktown
Cooktown Markets
Saturday, 6 July 2024
8 am – 11 am

Cooktown Shire Hall
Wednesday, 10 July 2024
5 pm – 7 pm

Lakeland
Lakeland Community Hall
Monday, 8 July 2024
12 – 2 pm

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

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