Three tenderers have been shortlisted, following a competitive process, for the biggest tender for new waste management infrastructure in Victoria.
Monash Council and 15 other councils from Melbourne’s south east are seeking an advanced waste processing alternative to landfill in a tender process led by Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG).
The competitive tendering process saw 30 Expressions of Interest lodged, with three tenderers shortlisted:
- Veolia Environmental Services Australia Pty Ltd
- Sacyr Environment Australia
- Pacific Partnerships and REMONDIS (A consortium comprised of Pacific Partnerships and REMONDIS Australia, together with CIMIC Group Companies CPB Contractors and UGL).
Monash Mayor Stuart James said the tender was the biggest ever undertaken by councils for new waste management.
“The advanced waste processing system is an exciting project that will change how we manage rubbish collected across all 15 council areas. It is a truly transformative project,” Cr James said.
“The reality is that landfills in the south east of Melbourne are filling up and there are no plans to build anymore. Household rubbish across this region is projected to increase by 40% over the next 25 years so we need to look at a viable alternative for the long-term.”
This project will deliver an alternative to landfill and transform how household rubbish is managed by putting it to good use instead of burying it in the ground. The best outcomes will be achieved by minimising our waste, reusing or recycling, and then what is left over can go to advanced waste processing.
Advanced waste processing technologies have been used successfully and safely overseas for years as an alternative to landfill.
Monash Council, along with the other 15 councils, made the final decision on the shortlist following a review by Council representatives, MWRRG and its technical, legal and financial advisors.
Veolia Environmental Services Australia, Sacyr Environment Australia and Pacific Partnerships and REMONDIS will work with Monash Council and the other south east councils over the next stage of the procurement to develop an advanced waste processing solution that delivers environmental, economic and social benefits to the community.
Advanced waste processing will help the Victorian government deliver on its circular economy strategy – Recycling Victoria – a 10 year plan that will completely overhaul Victoria’s recycling sector and reduce waste going to landfill.
“Advanced waste processing will do more with the resources that are being put in landfill and achieve better financial, environmental and social outcomes,” Cr James said.
“It is a great solution for residual household rubbish that would normally go to landfill.”
Kerbside recycling and green and food waste collection services will continue in each council area to reduce waste and increase recycling.
No decisions have been made yet regarding the type or location of any facilities. This will be identified late in the procurement process.
It is expected that one or more 20 to 25 year contracts will be awarded by 2022, with construction of the facility starting in 2023.
