Copyright © Bouvard Coast Care Group
Designed & Hosted by Westcountry
“ Can’t believe the council is allowing this to happen”
“ … the council has failed for obvious reasons to keep rate payers in the loop… ”
“ … the damage to our fragile system has already been taken to an unhealthy level for both the local environment and the people living in this area …”
“… Tims Thicket is too environmentally sensitive an area”
“Due to the lack of transparency over the monitoring and management of this facility I believe this facility needs to be closed and for new and improved options to be looked into in order to better protect the environment it's affecting “
“ This proposal should be stopped immediately and never should have been considered not for this area”
“How on earth did this happen! Time for us all to stand up and say NO find another solution”
“As a rate payer who lives in the Melros area I DO NOT support the plan for a Liquid Waste Disposal Plant in Tims Thicket. I have seen NO public consultation process”
“ This proposal is preposterous and needs to be stopped! ”
“ … If they have not been honest and transparent and have failed to meet any or all of its obligations regarding the environment then it should be stopped until an impact study has been completed and residents advised. It looks like Erin Brokovich all over again …”
“This is not acceptable. There is a definite risk of leaching into the water that we, our children, our pets, drink and wash in on a daily basis. How dare the planners try to put this into place. Would they do it if they lived in the affected area? I don't think so. Disgusting!!”
“Terrible!!
“ Land owner with bore I'd drink my bore water. But not if this happens”
“ I find the sneakiness of this proposal the most concerning, as it shows a clear attempt to push through something that would not go ahead had people been aware.”
“I definitely wasn't aware of any of this , until I read the Mandurah mail, what can I do to help with this...
“The city has failed both the residents and the environment here.”
“ This is an unacceptable concept and every measure should be taken to bring it to a halt”
“ This is the first time I have been informed about the City of Mandurah proposal for this site. I am astounded that there has been virtually no public consultation on this matter. I aplaud the Bouvard Coastcare Group for bringing it to our attention. I am definately against this proposal.”
“One can only wonder why the Council has been so secretive about this proposal which leads us to believe it knew it would lead to much opposition from local residents and others because of lack of transparency. “
“There is such a large volume of evidence about the pollution here that I am surprised that this is even being considered.”
“ Local council should be totally transparent to the public with in depth studies on the long term environmental impacts made available through local media .Look after our fragile coastline and our children’s’ future !”
“ The environmental implications have not been properly considered in the proposal of the liquid waste disposal site in Tims Thicket. If they wish to develop this site maybe they should dig up and remove all of the contaminants beforehand. I find the sneakiness of this proposal the most concerning, as it shows a clear attempt to push through something that would not go ahead had people been aware.”
“ As a resident of Tims Thicket since the early 1990's, I vote for closure to the Waste facility. When it was originally set up residents were assured its impact on the environment would be contained within the designated area. Clearly this is now not the case.”
“My concern is about the covering up of evidence in the hope that it would go away. When water quality exceeded its trigger values, the sampling was stopped. When staff were shown photos of the rubbish in the old tip site, the photos were returned unviewed. I support this group and their actions as they live here and are directly affected.”
“This situation is becoming increasingly disturbing as local residents are being left out of the loop and mislead as to what is intended to go on at Tim's Thicket. Stop polluting our water ways and back yards.”
“I've lived in Mandurah most of my life, been fishing, swimming, surfing at Tims Thicket for 30 years…..This is a concern to all of us and it must be stopped.”

Read Some of the comments received so far

Below are a selection of comments received from locals via our Lets Campaign submission form. To get your voice heard, contact your councillor using the details at the end of this page.

Local Press Coverage

Both the Mandurah Mail and the Coastal Times have published stories on our campaign:

Candice Di Prinzio - Coast Ward Candidate

“It appears quite evident to me that the Bouvard Coast Care Members have been subject to some grave process and consultation failures with the City of Mandurah. I can assure you that should I be successful in becoming a Coastal Ward Councillor, that I will engage regularly with your group in pro-active, two-way consultation. I will have an open door policy regarding everything I do as a Councillor. In the event that I am successful in becoming a Coastal Ward Councillor, I look forward to having Bouvard Coast Care Group brief me in regard to your concerns, process issues and the timeline relating to this facility. It is my understanding that this matter could come back to Council in the new year, so I'm keen to ensure that I've fully engaged with your group. Rest assured, that I will make a decision on this matter that is in the best interest of the community and your input would be factored into my decision making.
ELECTED!

Jenny Green- Coast Ward Candidate

“Thank you for emailing your information regarding the circumstances surrounding the liquid waste disposal facility located at Tim's Thicket and which, I understand, was closed for operations in January, 2015 due to surrounding environmental contamination directly related to the leaching of toxic chemicals into the soil and water table. Earlier this year, March 2019, a proposal submitted by the City of Mandurah to reopen the liquid waste facility has been suspended while further assessments are carried out by DWER and EPA. There are several factors that would give rise for concern regarding the reopening of the liquid waste disposal site, those being: 1. Close proximity to the ocean waterline. 500 mtrs is insufficient as a buffer zone when considering the probability of beach erosion. 2. Unit sitting on a site with a 4mtr water table which, again, would be considered an insufficient buffer zone for toxic waste leaching. 3. Environmental conservation and protection regulations (DWER and EPA) have strict guidelines for liquid waste disposal sites with regard to installation of layers of ground filters, level of water tables, and sub soil rock integrity. Given the above information, I would, if elected, request a review of the CoM report submitted to DWER and departments associated with the proposal and vigorously challenge their reasoning to go forward with the reopening of the liquid waste disposal site as, apart for trucking convenience, it does not meet the standard of contemporary liquid waste management.”
ELECTED!

Rhys Williams - Mayoral Candidate Email: rhys@electrhys.com.au

“I left your AGM the other day feeling really inspired. I love seeing community groups doing big things - it's actually one of the main reasons I'm standing for mayor... because we have to make it easier for volunteers to do what they're passionate about. Congratulations on all your coordination and hard work. If I'm successful, I want to look at commercial opportunities for the waste that is currently being treated at Tims Thicket. This will mean that I'm probably more in favour of a medium-term closure, but revoking the application for the extended [septage] license”

Merv Darcy - Coastal Ward Candidate Email: mjdarcy30@bigpond.com

“Should I be elected as Councillor for the Coastal Ward, I would totally support and immediately withdraw the licence application to upgrade the liquid waste facility and to commit to the full closure of the site as soon as practically possible. As past practices have shown landfill operations have contaminated ground water with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. I might add these sites did not have large quantities of water passing through them as Tim’s Thicket Waste facility will have. We were once told Wittenoom and the tailings from the mine were safe. However we now know the dangers after many deaths, of which I sadly have first- hand experience from handling the workers compensation claims. Most worryingly to me, its clear from the responses that the community hasn’t been consulted or informed. We must remember that the council is here to serve the community and not the other way around. I am absolutely astounded by the comments of those in support of the proposed spraying irrigation on the old landfill site at Tims Thicket. Throughout my campaign I have spoken with a number of residence in the coastal ward who have voiced their strong opposition to the proposed spraying irrigation on to the old landfill site at TIMS Thicket and the risks associated with such a process . One only has to be aware of the problems that occurred in Busselton in which some residential bores were contaminated, and their bore water exceeded public health criteria for drinking water and in some cases, garden irrigation. Also there was similar problems connected to the Melville wast disposal site in Leeming. SOLUTION This irrigation water should be collected and used to water street tree, parks and gardens and not irrigated on to an old land fill site and then elevate any risk.“

Peter Jackson - North Ward Candidate Email: peterjacksonformandurah@gmail.com

“I’m certain that the passion felt by the parties involved is driven by the hope for an outcome that provides benefits for our community. I’m encouraged to hear BCCG’s desire to be seen to be open and fair. I’m expecting The City will also adopt that approach. I’m hopeful that together both parties will be able to clearly understand the concerns, issues, and implications, and come together around good decision-making. I have spoken directly with the City CEO and Director of Works and Services Allan Claydon about this matter. I wish to understand all of the facts before taking a position. It appears at this early stage that there is some mis-information surrounding this issue. I am currently facilitating an interview with both of them where they can communicate the facts as they know them, to be broadcast on 6mm. Once that’s broadcast it becomes “on-the-record” as such. I will pursue the same opportunity for the other side of the debate. There is no question that putting people at risk is not an option! Getting all of the facts firstly, and secondly understanding the context correctly to give them meaning is vital to making good decisions. In my view, espousing an opinion before that process is completed is not responsible and doesn’t help in good decision making. If there is a case to answer it will be brought! I suspect this is an issue that will go beyond the timeframe of this election. Regardless, I will be pursuing the truth.”
ELECTED! ELECTED! ELECTED!

2019 Election

2018 Election

What our Councillors said prior to election

Tim's Thicket waste issue re-surfacing
Councillor contact details are available on the council website
Copyright © Bouvard Coast Care Group
Designed & Hosted by Westcountry
“ Land owner with bore I'd drink my bore water. But not if this happens”
“One can only wonder why the Council has been so secretive about this proposal which leads us to believe it knew it would lead to much opposition from local residents and others because of lack of transparency. “
“There is such a large volume of evidence about the pollution here that I am surprised that this is even being considered.”
“ Local council should be totally transparent to the public with in depth studies on the long term environmental impacts made available through local media .Look after our fragile coastline and our children’s’ future !”
“ This is the first time I have been informed about the City of Mandurah proposal for this site. I am astounded that there has been virtually no public consultation on this matter. I applaud the Bouvard Coastcare Group for bringing it to our attention. I am definitely against this proposal.”
“ As a resident of Tims Thicket since the early 1990's, I vote for closure to the Waste facility. When it was originally set up residents were assured its impact on the environment would be contained within the designated area. Clearly this is now not the case.”
“My concern is about the covering up of evidence in the hope that it would go away. When water quality exceeded its trigger values, the sampling was stopped. When staff were shown photos of the rubbish in the old tip site, the photos were returned unviewed. I support this group and their actions as they live here and are directly affected.”
“ Can’t believe the council is allowing this to happen”
“ … the damage to our fragile system has already been taken to an unhealthy level for both the local environment and the people living in this area …”
“… Tims Thicket is too environmentally sensitive an area”
“Due to the lack of transparency over the monitoring and management of this facility I believe this facility needs to be closed and for new and improved options to be looked into in order to better protect the environment it's affecting “
“How on earth did this happen! Time for us all to stand up and say NO find another solution”
“The city has failed both the residents and the environment here.”
“ This is an unacceptable concept and every measure should be taken to bring it to a halt”

Local Press Coverage

Bouvard Coast Care Group

Read Some of the comments

received so far

Below are a selection of comments received from locals via our Lets Campaign submission form. To get your voice heard, contact your councillor using the details at the end of this page.

Candice Di Prinzio - Coast Ward Candidate

“It appears quite evident to me that the Bouvard Coast Care Members have been subject to some grave process and consultation failures with the City of Mandurah. I can assure you that should I be successful in becoming a Coastal Ward Councillor, that I will engage regularly with your group in pro-active, two-way consultation. I will have an open door policy regarding everything I do as a Councillor. In the event that I am successful in becoming a Coastal Ward Councillor, I look forward to having Bouvard Coast Care Group brief me in regard to your concerns, process issues and the timeline relating to this facility. It is my understanding that this matter could come back to Council in the new year, so I'm keen to ensure that I've fully engaged with your group. Rest assured, that I will make a decision on this matter that is in the best interest of the community and your input would be factored into my decision making.
ELECTED!

Jenny Green- Coast Ward Candidate

“Thank you for emailing your information regarding the circumstances surrounding the liquid waste disposal facility located at Tim's Thicket and which, I understand, was closed for operations in January, 2015 due to surrounding environmental contamination directly related to the leaching of toxic chemicals into the soil and water table. Earlier this year, March 2019, a proposal submitted by the City of Mandurah to reopen the liquid waste facility has been suspended while further assessments are carried out by DWER and EPA. There are several factors that would give rise for concern regarding the reopening of the liquid waste disposal site, those being: 1. Close proximity to the ocean waterline. 500 mtrs is insufficient as a buffer zone when considering the probability of beach erosion. 2. Unit sitting on a site with a 4mtr water table which, again, would be considered an insufficient buffer zone for toxic waste leaching. 3. Environmental conservation and protection regulations (DWER and EPA) have strict guidelines for liquid waste disposal sites with regard to installation of layers of ground filters, level of water tables, and sub soil rock integrity. Given the above information, I would, if elected, request a review of the CoM report submitted to DWER and departments associated with the proposal and vigorously challenge their reasoning to go forward with the reopening of the liquid waste disposal site as, apart for trucking convenience, it does not meet the standard of contemporary liquid waste management.”
ELECTED!

Rhys Williams - Mayoral Candidate

Email: rhys@electrhys.com.au

“I left your AGM the other day feeling really inspired. I love seeing community groups doing big things - it's actually one of the main reasons I'm standing for mayor... because we have to make it easier for volunteers to do what they're passionate about. Congratulations on all your coordination and hard work. If I'm successful, I want to look at commercial opportunities for the waste that is currently being treated at Tims Thicket. This will mean that I'm probably more in favour of a medium-term closure, but revoking the application for the extended [septage] license”

Merv Darcy - Coastal Ward Candidate

Email: mjdarcy30@bigpond.com

“Should I be elected as Councillor for the Coastal Ward, I would totally support and immediately withdraw the licence application to upgrade the liquid waste facility and to commit to the full closure of the site as soon as practically possible. As past practices have shown landfill operations have contaminated ground water with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. I might add these sites did not have large quantities of water passing through them as Tim’s Thicket Waste facility will have. We were once told Wittenoom and the tailings from the mine were safe. However we now know the dangers after many deaths, of which I sadly have first- hand experience from handling the workers compensation claims. Most worryingly to me, its clear from the responses that the community hasn’t been consulted or informed. We must remember that the council is here to serve the community and not the other way around. I am absolutely astounded by the comments of those in support of the proposed spraying irrigation on the old landfill site at Tims Thicket. Throughout my campaign I have spoken with a number of residence in the coastal ward who have voiced their strong opposition to the proposed spraying irrigation on to the old landfill site at TIMS Thicket and the risks associated with such a process . One only has to be aware of the problems that occurred in Busselton in which some residential bores were contaminated, and their bore water exceeded public health criteria for drinking water and in some cases, garden irrigation. Also there was similar problems connected to the Melville wast disposal site in Leeming. SOLUTION This irrigation water should be collected and used to water street tree, parks and gardens and not irrigated on to an old land fill site and then elevate any risk.“

Peter Jackson - North Ward Candidate

Email: peterjacksonformandurah@gmail.com

“I’m certain that the passion felt by the parties involved is driven by the hope for an outcome that provides benefits for our community. I’m encouraged to hear BCCG’s desire to be seen to be open and fair. I’m expecting The City will also adopt that approach. I’m hopeful that together both parties will be able to clearly understand the concerns, issues, and implications, and come together around good decision- making. I have spoken directly with the City CEO and Director of Works and Services Allan Claydon about this matter. I wish to understand all of the facts before taking a position. It appears at this early stage that there is some mis-information surrounding this issue. I am currently facilitating an interview with both of them where they can communicate the facts as they know them, to be broadcast on 6mm. Once that’s broadcast it becomes “on-the-record” as such. I will pursue the same opportunity for the other side of the debate. There is no question that putting people at risk is not an option! Getting all of the facts firstly, and secondly understanding the context correctly to give them meaning is vital to making good decisions. In my view, espousing an opinion before that process is completed is not responsible and doesn’t help in good decision making. If there is a case to answer it will be brought! I suspect this is an issue that will go beyond the timeframe of this election. Regardless, I will be pursuing the truth.”
ELECTED! ELECTED! ELECTED!

2019 Election

2018 Election

What our Councillors said prior to election

Tim's Thicket waste issue re-surfacing
9th Sep 2020
Councillor contact details are available on the council website