Business & Council
4 September, 2025
Restricted Access at Yelarbon Waste Transfer Station Coming Soon
Goondiwindi Regional Council is set to limit access to the Yelarbon Waste Transfer Station (also known as the Yelarbon tip) to 24/7 access for local users only. The change is part of a trial scheduled to begin in December 2025, which will introduce a fob-based entry system.
The move comes in response to Queensland government legislative obligations and ongoing concerns raised by the Yelarbon Community Consultative Committee about the site’s condition. While the site has been open to all 24/7, persistent issues with contamination and illegal dumping have made it difficult to manage and have incurred significant costs for local ratepayers.
“The Queensland government waste levy legislation makes it very difficult for local governments to successfully operate unmanned waste sites. Council has attempted to keep the Yelarbon transfer site open to all 24/7; however, there have been ongoing costly issues with contamination and illegal dumping,” said Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Mackenzie portfolio holder for Waste, Regulatory Services and Planning.
“Council is accountable for every bit of waste, and the cost to ratepayers to manage the contamination and illegal dumping is in the tens of thousands and is not value for money or sustainable. The new system we are proposing aims to reduce costs associated with removing and relocating contamination and illegal dumping, reviewing footage, identifying offenders, and administering education and fine activities.
“Council does not believe Yelarbon residents are the primary cause of these problems. By limiting access to local needs, the new system aims to create a better, cleaner site for the community and reduce costs associated with managing illegal dumping.
“We value the input of the community in shaping the implementation of these changes,” said Cr Rob Mackenzie. “Community feedback is crucial to ensuring a smooth and effective implementation process.”
The proposed fob system will provide local Yelarbon users with a unique fob at no cost, allowing them to retain the same 24/7 access they currently have. There are no proposed changes to the existing kerbside collection service or the roadside skip bins in the area.
Residents and businesses that may have feedback on this process, additional queries or would like to discuss their circumstances, are encouraged to get in touch with Council via waste@grc.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4671 7400.
Additional drop-in and information sessions are also scheduled for Tuesday 14 October and Wednesday 15 October.
For more detailed information and to provide feedback, please visit: