Published 13 April 2026
Bunbury City Council has endorsed a three-part plan to restore Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) processing services for the Bunbury community.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday, 7 April Council resolved to:
- Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to initiate the procurement process for the South West FOGO Transport tender, for a contract term concluding in September 2028.
- Request the Chief Executive Officer, upon conclusion of the procurement process, to provide a report to Council evaluating the financial outcomes and the specific implications regarding the State Government’s $95 per tonne subsidy, including consideration of alternative waste service models such as a return to a two-bin system.
- Support the development of a regional procurement process to establish a permanent, long-term FOGO processing facility located within the South West region.
The decisions follow the closure of the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council’s Banksia Road Organic Processing Facility in December 2024, which has resulted in FOGO material being directed to landfill.
Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said Council’s decision provided a clear pathway to restore FOGO services.
“Our community has been patient through a difficult period, and they deserve to see action,” Mayor Miguel said.
“These decisions give us a structured plan – get FOGO transport and processing moving, make an informed decision on State support based on real costs, and pursue a permanent regional facility so we’re not relying on long-distance transport indefinitely.”
The procurement process will seek a contractor to transport FOGO material to licensed processing facilities, likely in the Perth metropolitan area, as an interim measure while a regional solution is developed.
City of Bunbury Chief Executive Officer Alan Ferris said the approach was fiscally responsible and reflected successful advocacy by South West councils.
“The State Government’s revised $95 per tonne rebate is a direct result of South West councils advocating for realistic support,” Mr Ferris said.
“The original proposal was a sliding scale starting at $75 and dropping to just $20 per tonne by year three. That wasn’t viable. The flat rate of $95 is a significantly better outcome, and Council will formally assess its value against actual market pricing once the tender process is complete.”
Council also requested that the CEO’s report include consideration of alternative waste service models, including a potential return to a two-bin system.
Mayor Miguel said the inclusion reflected Council’s commitment to giving the community a complete and transparent assessment.
“Council has asked for all options to be on the table so we can make the best decision for our community based on evidence, not assumptions,” Mayor Miguel said.
“That includes understanding what a return to a two-bin system would actually look like in practice – what it would cost ratepayers, what it would mean for our waste strategy obligations, and what it would mean for the environment.
“Considering alternatives isn’t the same as abandoning FOGO. It’s making sure that when Council commits to a direction, it’s backed by a complete picture. Our community deserves that level of rigour.”
Any change to the current service model would need to account for the financial, environmental, and regulatory implications for the community. Council has requested comprehensive financial modelling as part of the CEO’s report.
Council has also committed to supporting the development of a regional procurement process for a permanent FOGO processing facility within the South West, which would eliminate reliance on costly long-distance transport to Perth.
“Transporting FOGO to Perth is a necessary interim step, not the long-term answer,” Mayor Miguel said.
“The long-term answer is a regional facility that processes organic waste locally, reduces transport emissions and delivers genuine circular economy outcomes for the South West. That’s what we’re working toward.”
The City will provide community updates as the procurement process progresses and key milestones are reached.
Community members can access detailed information and frequently asked questions below: