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Carinda finding its feet as final clean-up set to begin

Western Plains App

River McCrossen

10 May 2025, 9:19 PM

Carinda finding its feet as final clean-up set to beginDamage and debris left after a storm passed through Carinda in November 2024. IMAGE: Rachel Lamph

Walgett Shire Council says they expect clean-up for remaining kerbside waste in Carinda to begin next week after storms wreaked havoc on the village in November 2024.

 

The council confirmed that a Gunnedah contractor will work on Tuesday 13 May to clear storm-damaged waste, general refuse, and green waste left by residents.

 

The contractor will also remove asbestos-contamination from Carinda Waste Facility, with all work slated for completion by early June.


 

"Additional dates for clean-up will be issued once the contractor mobilises," a council spokesperson said on 9 May.

 

"Council is not using its internal workforce for this operation due to the scale and complexity of asbestos handling."

 

Elderly residents unable to bring waste to the kerbside will be supported.



Storm damage to a building in Carinda from November 2024. IMAGE: NSW Fire and Rescue


Contractors will dispose of waste at the tip, which has been closed since November after a suspicious fire exposed friable asbestos.

 

The material poses a high risk when you can easily crush it into a powder and breathe it in.

 

Work at the tip will also include perimeter fencing and temporary waste intake before the landfill hole is closed.


 

Council said they will work with NSW Public Works and the Reconstruction Authority to develop a new landfill.

 

"I think most people are fairly optimistic. We're just disappointed with our tip still being closed," Carinda Hotel publican Peter Saunders said on 9 May before the council confirmed the clean-up.

 

According to Walgett council, "ongoing weather conditions" have delayed the clean-up.

 

The storms severely damaged shops and homes, and tore roofing from the Carinda Hotel, although that hasn't deterred local enterprise.

 

Peter and partner Maz channelled "pure madness" and bought the hotel two months ago.

 

"You wouldn't take the steps we've taken if you weren't a little bit optimistic. Or mad. One of the two," he said.

 

"It had to be rejuvenated, and it's the hub of the town."

 

Since the purchase, they've begun installing a 150 square metre beer garden and plan to create a camping and caravan area.

 

The venue claims its fame as a film set for David Bowie's 1983 famous music video 'Let's Dance'.

 

It inspired the village's annual Bowie tribute festival, which draws hundreds of visitors and will go ahead this year.