Stanley Road Waste Management Facility remains open, with services continuing as normal.
Published 06 November 2026
The City of Bunbury and the Shire of Harvey have agreed in principle to commence the process of dissolving the Bunbury-Harvey Regional Council (BHRC) and work together on new governance and operating arrangements for the jointly owned Stanley Road Waste Management Facility.
The decision was endorsed by both councils at their respective October Ordinary Council Meetings. A formal agreement will now be developed to guide shared decision-making throughout the transition.
There are no immediate changes for residents and businesses. Stanley Road remains open, and customers can keep using the facility as they do now. Any future changes will be notified well in advance.
BHRC was established in 1990 as a joint waste management authority for the two councils. It still operates under a 1989 Constitution Agreement that was designed for a different era.
Over time, changes in regulation, infrastructure needs and funding requirements have prompted both councils to review the current model. They agreed that a new governance structure would provide greater certainty and better position the region to meet future waste management needs.
BHRC staff have been briefed on the decision, and both councils have committed to keeping employees informed at every stage of the transition.
Future management arrangements for Stanley Road have not yet been determined and will be worked through jointly as part of transition process.
Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said both councils recognised the community's interest in the decision.
"We know people care about how ratepayer money is spent, how we look after the environment and what the future holds for waste services in our region," Mayor Miguel said.
"These are fair questions, and transition process will address each of them. We'll share more information as decisions are made.
"For now, the most important message for our community is a simple one. Stanley Road is open, and services continue as normal."
Shire of Harvey President Michelle Campbell said the councils were working together as equal partners.
"This is a shared decision by two councils with a long history of collaboration," Cr Campbell said.
“BHRC's governance model is outdated. Both councils have accepted that it is no longer financially, operationally or environmentally sustainable in its current form.
"The transition planning will address these matters and set our region up well for future waste services.
A Dissolution and Transition Agreement will now be prepared that works through how BHRC will be dissolved, supported by a Transition Working Group.
Both councils take their environmental responsibilities seriously, and environmental obligations will be a central consideration in transition planning. The agreement will set out how these responsibilities will be managed at Stanley Road into the future.
BHRC Chair Wendy Dickinson acknowledges the contribution of BHRC staff.
"BHRC has served this region since 1990, and that's because of the people who keep Stanley Road running every day," Ms Dickinson said.
"We recognise that this news creates uncertainty for staff. Employment arrangements will be considered carefully throughout the transition, and a staff representative will be included on the Transition Working Group.
"We'll keep our people informed and supported at every step."
The draft agreement is expected to be presented to both councils for consideration in the first quarter of 2027. Final approval will be subject to the agreement of the Minister for Local Government.
For more information and frequently asked questions: Waste Services Update: Your Questions Answered - City of Bunbury