River McCrossen
10 May 2025, 9:19 PM
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.
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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.
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The contractor will also remove asbestos-contamination from Carinda Waste Facility, with all work slated for completion by early June.
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"Additional dates for clean-up will be issued once the contractor mobilises," a council spokesperson said on 9 May.
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"Council is not using its internal workforce for this operation due to the scale and complexity of asbestos handling."
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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.
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The material poses a high risk when you can easily crush it into a powder and breathe it in.
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Work at the tip will also include perimeter fencing and temporary waste intake before the landfill hole is closed.
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Council said they will work with NSW Public Works and the Reconstruction Authority to develop a new landfill.
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"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.
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According to Walgett council, "ongoing weather conditions" have delayed the clean-up.
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The storms severely damaged shops and homes, and tore roofing from the Carinda Hotel, although that hasn't deterred local enterprise.
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Peter and partner Maz channelled "pure madness" and bought the hotel two months ago.
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"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.
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"It had to be rejuvenated, and it's the hub of the town."
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Since the purchase, they've begun installing a 150 square metre beer garden and plan to create a camping and caravan area.
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The venue claims its fame as a film set for David Bowie's 1983 famous music video 'Let's Dance'.
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It inspired the village's annual Bowie tribute festival, which draws hundreds of visitors and will go ahead this year.