General News
27 October, 2026
Frustration grows over transfer station closures
THE closure of Herberton transfer station on weekends has been frustrating locals, but Tablelands Regional Council says there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The Herberton facility has been closed almost every weekend since the end of August which has annoyed locals wanting to dump their rubbish and making people suspicious that the transfer station will close altogether.
Others are annoyed they get to the facility and see that it’s closed and are forced to drive to Atherton.
“TRC posts on their Facebook page if they’re open or not on the weekend. Safe to assume not at this stage. They’re meant to be open Wednesday’s and Fridays. Though I’ve been there on a Friday and gates were shut, no post to let you know before loading everything and driving out there,” one person posted.
“I not only had to drive all the way to Atherton and pay for fuel to get there but then they charged me $15 to dump my rubbish!” another wrote.
“Yep, got there too with a full load of rubbish. Really sad because people will start dumping rubbish elsewhere,” a man posted.
“Looks like you have to look up TRC website every time you want to go to the dump regardless of official opening times ... and then you have to look at announcements rather than opening times.
“I’m waiting for them to do a library trick …. closing the transfer station because ‘no one is using it’ excuse.”
A TRC spokesperson told The Express the temporary closures were due to staffing shortages.
“Council has recently undertaken recruitment action to fill vacant roles and is enhancing roster flexibility to enable teams to rotate between transfer stations,” he said.
“These actions will see operating hours soon return to normal.
“The recruitment process has been successful to date with one more role to fill.”
Applications for the position are closing on 28 October. If anyone wishes to apply, go to https://tablelands.applynow.net.au/jobs/TRC1002-transfer-station-operator
