Published on Thursday, 8 May 2025 at 1:17:39 PM
The Shire of Coolgardie wishes to advise the community that, effective Monday, 2 June 2025, the Coolgardie Waste Facility will adopt new operating hours. This change follows a strategic review aimed at reducing operational expenses and improving resource allocation across the region.
Under the new schedule, the Coolgardie Waste Facility will operate Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This change is expected to deliver estimated annual savings of $325,000 to $350,000, contributing significantly to Council’s efforts to reduce the facility’s operating loss.
In addition to financial savings, this adjustment allows for better use of staff resources. Personnel from the Coolgardie Waste Facility will be redeployed to priority projects across the Shire, including verge maintenance, drainage works, road patching, and other essential community services—reducing the need for external contractors and increasing local service delivery.
Together with a refinancing of Council loans expected to yield an additional $500,000 in savings, these changes are part of a broader initiative to ensure long-term financial sustainability, improve operational efficiency, and continue delivering quality services to the community.
Importantly, residents will still be able to dispose of the following waste types at both the Coolgardie Waste Facility and the Kambalda Waste Transfer Station for free.
- General waste
- Food waste
- Plastics
- Household furniture
- E-waste
- Green waste
- Cardboard
- Mattresses
- Residential scrap metal
- White goods
Commercial drop-offs outside normal hours can be arranged by appointment (a cost may be applied) providing flexibility for business users. In Coolgardie, pre-booked loads of Class 3 waste may also be coordinated with staff for special deliveries.
This decision follows similar changes recently implemented at the Kambalda Waste Transfer Station, which have reduced its projected operating costs from $518,000 to approximately $266,000 annually. Together, these actions form part of a broader initiative to improve the financial sustainability of waste operations across the Shire.
The Shire acknowledges the importance of waste services to residents and appreciates the community’s understanding as we continue to balance financial responsibility with service reliability.
The Shire will continue to update residents through social media and its website to ensure a smooth transition.
Coolgardie Waste Facility
For any queries, please email mail@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Why weren’t the changes to both the Kambalda and Coolgardie waste facilities announced at the same time?
The decision to stage the announcements was based on the timing of operational reviews and the need to confirm the best staffing and service arrangements at each site. While Kambalda’s changes were ready to be communicated earlier, Coolgardie required additional planning to ensure the most appropriate and effective outcome.
Why is the Shire cutting hours at both sites?
The decision to reduce hours was driven by a need to ensure our waste services remain sustainable and reflect actual usage patterns. We have retained weekend hours at both sites, which are the busiest and most convenient for most residents. Access for commercial operators and special deliveries is still available by arrangement. These changes balance service accessibility with cost-efficiency, allowing us to redirect resources to other important community services.
Are staff being let go as part of these cuts?
No staff have lost their jobs as a result of these changes. In fact, the changes allow us to make better use of our workforce by redirecting them to important local projects such as maintaining roads, verges, culverts, and public spaces. This ensures more consistent service delivery across the Shire and reduces our reliance on external contractors—another cost-saving benefit for ratepayers.
Will these changes affect public health or lead to illegal dumping?
The Shire has considered these risks carefully. With both facilities open on weekends and key weekdays, and the ability to book special access when needed, we’re confident that all residents will still have ample opportunity to dispose of waste responsibly. We are also actively monitoring illegal waste dumping and taking action when able to identify offenders.
How do these changes contribute to the Shire's future sustainability?
Together with recent loan refinancing, the adjustments to both facilities are expected to improve the Shire’s financial position by up to $800,000 per year. This significantly reduces operating losses and will help the Shire move towards long-term financial stability.
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