New compactor improves efficiency

Compact … Plant operator Seaton Darr shows Councillor David Lee over the new 40-tonne compactor at the Saltwater Creek Road Landfill.

A new 40-tonne compactor, the first of Bomag’s new generation machines in Australia, will help extend the life of the Saltwater Creek Road landfill in Maryborough.

“The new compactor is 10-tonne heavier than the machine that it is replacing so it will have an immediate impact,” Cr David Lee said.

“The extra weight will improve compaction rates allowing us to fit more into the same space which will extend the life of the facility.

“This is the newest generation of the machine, so it is packed with the latest technology such as a more efficient motor which helps us cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is GPS guided which will ensure the driver is not going over the same spot too often or missing areas as they move up and down the face of the landfill.

“This ensures the compactor is working efficiently at all times, saving fuel and reducing wear and tear.”

The new compactor is part of an ongoing improvement program that will quadruple the amount of space available at the facility, extending its life and improving its environmental performance.

“The changes will bring further savings to Council as it means we won’t have to identify and develop a new landfill site for 30 years,” Cr Lee said.

“Instead of using funds to buy and develop a new site, we can use these funds to improve environmental practices and ensure the Saltwater Creek Road facility is industry best practice.

“If our reuse and recycling targets in the Waste Strategy 2019-2029 are met and maintained, the life of the landfill could be extended even further.”