Construction works have commenced on the northern expansion of the Stage 2 waste cell at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility (Shoal Bay), ensuring the continued safe disposal of asbestos containing materials within construction and demolition waste, for the Greater Darwin region.

From June 2025 until approximately December 2025, the first of three planned expansions to the Stage 2 waste cell will be underway. The expanded cell has been designed to meet and exceed best practice environmental standards, playing a critical role in safeguarding both public health and the local environment.

“Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility plays a vital role in keeping our community and environment safe,” said Nick Fewster, Executive Manager, Environment and Waste Services, City of Darwin. 

“This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of a growing Darwin and providing sustainable waste management for the community.”

The Stage 2 area is the only approved site in the Greater Darwin region where asbestos can be lawfully and safely disposed of. It is a fully engineered cell that prevents harmful substances from contaminating the surrounding environment. The robust design also means that it will serve the Territory’s asbestos disposal needs well into the future, reducing reliance on costly and inefficient interstate transport.

"Shoal Bay is the Northern Territory’s largest waste and resource recovery facility, accepting over 200,000 tonnes of waste and recyclable material per year. We divert significant amounts of waste from landfill each year through reuse and recycling while ensuring that we have continued long term capacity for those wastes that need to be landfilled safely, efficiently and sustainably,” he added.

While construction activity will increase the number of heavy vehicles travelling on the Shoal Bay Access Road during the works period, residential access to the facility will not be impacted. Residents may, however, notice greater activity in other areas of the site.

As always, road users are encouraged to take extra care while driving in and around the facility and to observe posted speed limits.

The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, marking another milestone in City of Darwin’s commitment to best practice waste management and sustainable infrastructure.

For more information on the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility, visit Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility | City of Darwin | Darwin Council, Northern Territory.