Parua Bay Transfer Station to close after Whangārei District Council withdraws consent application

A much-debated Whangārei transfer station will be closed after an application for resource consent to make it permanent was withdrawn.

The Parua Bay transfer station will close its gates for the last time on April 23.

It has been located next to the yacht club and boat ramp in a "temporary" capacity for around 15 years. Plans for a permanent site on Nook Rd had been dismissed due to costs and declining use of the station.

Last year the council submitted an application for resource consent for the existing site.

Council waste and drainage manager Andrew Carvell said when the consent process got under way however, concerns were raised from the local community and tangata whenua.

Concerns from the community related to the location of the station - they didn't want to see it closed but relocated to a new site.

"After reviewing the submissions, the council planner advised that resource consent for the existing site was likely to be declined."

As a result, the council has decided to withdraw its application for the consent of the Parua Bay transfer station.

Carvell has confirmed that the council will be reviewing future options for waste removal and recycling at Whangārei Heads, including the possible development of a community-based resource recovery centre.

Melissa Arsenault (front) with fellow Whangārei Heads residents Jennifer Lawrence, Geoff Lowry, Jan Boyes, Ton Zwaans, Liz Sherwin and Lisa Zwaans. Photo/Michael Cunningham

The coin-operated rubbish compactor at the Parua Bay Marina will also be reviewed, with plans to move it to a more permanent location in the near future.

"Council will work with local community groups to agree on the best way forward for waste and recycling management in Whangārei Heads area."

There will be no changes to kerbside collection, green waste is available at the Whangārei Heads Enterprise site while general recycling and rubbish can be taken to the Re:Sort Centre on Kioreroa Rd.

The Parua Bay and Pataua Resident and Ratepayers Association, Whangārei Heads Citizen Association, Weed Action Whangārei Heads, and Discover Whangārei Heads have all indicated their support for a community-led and operated resource recovery centre at Whangārei Heads Enterprises.

Whangārei Heads Citizen Association chairwoman Jan Boyes said: "It is imperative that council supports and funds this proposal to provide community with an alternative as soon as possible".

Melissa Arsenault, who compiled a scoping report on the alternative site, said the closure would be well-received as long as an alternative is provided for the community.

"This new facility would focus on reuse, repurposing, recycling and diverting previously landfilled waste, green waste and food waste."