Dozens of landfill sites across regional NSW will be modernised, closed, or improved following a $5.9 million investment aimed at upgrading waste infrastructure and reducing environmental risks.

With Greater Sydney expected to run out of landfill space by 2030, the NSW Government says investment in smarter, more coordinated waste systems is critical for both metropolitan and regional communities.

Thirty-five projects have received funding under Round 5 of the Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvement (LCEI) Program, which helps councils close outdated sites, construct new waste facilities, and bring existing operations up to modern standards.

According to NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director of Programs & Innovation, Alexandra Geddes, the program is designed to target long-standing challenges such as illegal dumping, contamination, odour and dust.

“It supports councils to bring their operations in line with environmental standards and transition to cleaner, safer and more sustainable waste systems,” Ms Geddes said

“Fourteen high-risk regional landfills can now be closed and rehabilitated, and 13 new transfer stations will be designed, upgraded or built to increase recycling.

"These projects are about protecting our communities, giving councils the tools to manage waste more effectively and meeting updated environmental standards.”

One recipient of funding in the Western Plains is Brewarrina Shire Council which has secured $300,000 to cap and close its current landfill cell at the Brewarrina Waste Depot, a facility which is nearing capacity.

The project involves placing up to 15,000 cubic metres of soil to reshape and landform the site, allowing stormwater to drain more effectively and reducing infiltration risks.

Upgrades in infrastructure are a big part of the solution for waste facilities in regional NSW, according to NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director of Programs & Innovation, Alexandra Geddes. (Image: Diversified Communications Australia)

Brewarrina Shire Council Mayor Tom Stanton said the funding comes at a critical time for the community.

“Our existing landfill site in Brewarrina has reached its capacity," Cr Stanton said.

"So it was welcome news to hear from the Utilities Manager that Council had been successful in a funding application for a new landfill facility from the Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements (LCEI) program."

“A request for tender for all associated works for this project (was open), including the construction of the new waste cell and closure of the existing cell."

The Mayor said the project would help secure long-term, environmentally responsible waste services for the town and surrounding district.

Brewarrina is one of several regional councils to benefit from the LCEI program.

• Coonamble Shire Council ($17,770) will put its waste strategy into action by streamlining transfer station operations at Quambone and Coonamble, setting up a new bin system, and providing training for staff.

• Gilgandra Shire Council ($25,000) will review and update its Waste Management Plan, considering state policies, FOGO requirements, on-site operations, filling practices, traffic flow, and future strategic directions.

• Lachlan Shire Council ($66,797) will close the unsupervised Burcher landfill and transition the site into a small vehicle waste transfer station, while extending collection services to residents.

• Narromine Shire Council ($300,000) will close the Trangie landfill and build a small vehicle transfer station on the same site, while also running a $39,055 project to improve litter control and recycling contamination management at the Narromine Waste Facility.

The EPA says these projects will deliver practical improvements across regional and remote NSW, ensuring councils can meet environmental requirements and protect local communities from health and pollution risks.

Ms Geddes said regional collaboration would be key going forward.

“This opportunity ensures councils can collaborate, cut costs and plan for a cleaner, more circular economy,” she said

“Upgrading infrastructure and investing in regional collaboration is not just important, it’s urgent.

"This is part of the long-term solution we need across NSW.”

Funding of up to $500,000 per project is available until June 2027, or until the allocation is exhausted.

Councils and regional waste groups are encouraged to apply for shared planning and procurement support through the Joint Procurement Funded Support Program.

For Brewarrina and other councils, the latest round of funding offers not just financial support, but a chance to ensure waste services meet modern expectations and keep communities safe well into the future.