Daniel Pitcher
Divisional Manager
Senior Leadership Team
Client Information
Client:
Gunnedah Shire Council
Duration:
March 2025 — December 2025
Value:
$2M
Location:
Gunnedah, NSW
Project Summary:
Daracon was engaged by Gunnedah Shire Council (GSC) to carry out the construction of a landfill cell and leachate dam at Gunnedah Waste Management Facility.
The site was in daily operation, so it was important during our planning and construction to ensure the works didn’t interfere with the facility’s operations.
Project Scope:
● Protect the works area to prevent unauthorised pedestrian and vehicular access and damage to existing infrastructure.
● Set out the works including all associated survey work.
● Install and maintain, during construction all necessary erosion and sedimentation control measures.
● Supply and construct all necessary temporary works to facilitate the construction of the works.
● Excavate, fill, compact and grade earthworks as necessary to develop the finished surfaces.
● Undertake a compacted clay field trial.
● Supply and install the leachate barrier system only for the Landfill Sub-cell No. 1.
● Conduct field trail for the placement of leachate drainage aggregate.
● Supply and install leachate collection and conveyance system.
● Supply and install leachate barrier system for the leachate pond extension.
Key Challenges:
● Water table was higher than designers had allowed for, leading to the redesign of the landfill floor.
● Delays from intermittent weather between completion of earthworks and lining led to cracking in the earthworks banks. This was remedied with crusher dust.
Key Success Factors:
● Daracon’s survey provided useful information to GSC to assist with redesigns.
● Good working relationship between Daracon and GSC to assist in overcoming issues arising from design and weather conditions during construction.
● Scheduling of earthworks and clay lining needed to be carefully considered to minimise time between stages and reduce chance of damage.
