The 500000 tyres at the Numurkah site were described as posing an extreme threat to the town by Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio when the government stepped in to assist in the clean up in December.
At the event, Moira Shire mayor Libro Mustica said the safe removal of the stockpile was only possible thanks to a partnership between the Environmental Protection Authority and council.
‘‘This work began in December last year; up to eight trucks a day have taken approximately 5000 tonnes of waste tyres for recycling at an EPA licensed facility in Melbourne,’’ he said.
Cr Mustica thanked the Victorian Government and the EPA in the decision to address the public and environmental risks associated with the site which were underscored by the CFA’s fire risk assessment last year.
‘‘The completion of this tyre site clean-up keeps a commitment we made to the Numurkah community — to remove an environmental hazard and threat to the residents and businesses of the town,’’ he said.
‘‘There are many people who have worked together to produce such a fantastic result and they all deserve recognition and thanks in particular Minister Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio and the EPA chief executive Cathy Wilkinson and her team.
‘‘I would also like to thank Australian company Tyrecycle for organising the logistics of sorting, loading and transporting the tyres to be recycled.
‘‘O’Loughlins Excavations, especially Jono Kerrins and Ken Bickham, deserve special thanks as they have done an incredible job moving the 5000 tonnes of tyres in a very efficient and safe manner.
‘‘Moira Shire staff have been working hard in the background throughout this whole process, including Jackson Tennant, Dave Roberts and Jackie Miller, and I thank them for their efforts.
‘‘Thank you again to everyone involved and to the local community for their patience and understanding while the clean up occurred.’’
