Located in the industrial estate at the end of Caripool Pl, the transfer station will put an end to landfill in Tea Gardens.

Initially council proposed 10 sites to residents which were “overwhelming rejected”, according to council’s director planning and environment Glenn Handford, at a community meeting in March last year.

Concerns ranged from traffic congestion, odour, noise pollution and the attraction of feral and native scavengers.

Mr Handford said it was necessary for the site to remain close to town to discourage illegal dumping.

“We have a good indication that the public supports this site,” he said.

Councillor Len Roberts said the decision was a win for the community.

“This is exactly what the community wanted. It is a matter of residents banding together to get what they need,” he said.

After seeking approval from the State Government’s Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP), the site’s development application has been approved.

Mr Handford confirmed that seven hectares of the site would be cleared, however 75 hectares had been set aside for conservation purposes.

There are also talks of using the area for recreation.

“We’re looking at holding further discussions with the community to use the area for passive and recreation activities, for example mountain bike and walking trails.”

The existing tip on Wyana Rd will be decommissioned.

Residents will be able to leave rubbish at the undercover transfer station in containers which will then be compacted and taken away to the Tuncurry landfill.