Media Release

12 June 2009


Truck movements on Coolamon Scenic Drive

Byron Shire Council resolved yesterday to take fill for construction of the new BrunswickValley Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) from the Vallances Road site rather than hauling it from an outside location.

Byron Shire Council’s director of water and recycling management services Phil Warner said this decision will greatly reduce the number of truck movements on Coolamon Scenic Drive during the construction of the new STP.

“The sewage plant site was reviewed for potential fill and a site was identified on the Vallances Road property,” Mr Warner said.

“The decision to use on site fill was influenced by the many local residents and daily school bus companies who use the road.

Coolamon Scenic Drive is a winding road and hauling fill from an outside location would create significant daily truck movements.

“Through using onsite fill, truck movements will be reduced by approximately 2000 trips and also have significant cost savings for the project,” he said.

Initial works on the Brunswick Valley STP involve the stripping of topsoil and construction of an elevated pad to keep the final structures above flood levels.

Mr Warner went on to state there will still be some  truck movements on Coolamon Scenic Drive, north of Mullumbimby, and a traffic management plan has been developed to minimise disruptions and the impact on local traffic.

“The plan includes warning signs and a new turning bay for heavy vehicles to avoid the need to make a right hand turn into Vallances Road across traffic,” Mr Warner said.

“Construction activities will have some minor impacts on traffic movements in the Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads areas and details on traffic closures will be printed in Council’s notices,” he said.

Truck movements on Coolamon Scenic Drive will occur between the hours of 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

END

Media Contact:                              Donna Johnston

                                                         Media Communications Officer

                                                         Byron Shire Council

                                                         Ph: 02 6626 7320

                                                         Mbl: 0419 609 189

Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.