Cr Andrew Simms told a public meeting on Tuesday the Dunedin City Council would seek expressions of interest for ‘‘other providers to take’’ the city’s rubbish.
These would be weighed against the construction of the $92.4 million landfill, which the previous council voted to fund last year as part of the 2025-34 long-term plan.
They opted to do so alone, rather than with a project partner, and over exporting waste out of district to existing landfills.
Cr Simms said additional information on the landfill and several other capital expenditure projects would be presented to councillors during the upcoming long-term plan process ‘‘with the aim of reducing any unnecessary capital expenditure’’.
He expected new information on waste management options to be presented to councillors in the coming months.
The matter of Smooth Hill became a key issue during last year’s election; Cr Simms has been vocal in his opposition to the landfill and preference for exporting waste.
At the time, he suggested the funding decision could be overturned by the new council.
Some councillors in support of the project had said it was best for the city in the long run and retaining control of the waste stream was fundamental to Dunedin’s revamped kerbside collection service.
‘‘Smooth Hill would be one of the biggest bits of expenditure that’s been planned for a long time.
‘‘It may turn out to be unnecessary.’’
Dunedin may be better served by using existing landfills, such as AB Lime’s facility in Winton and Taiko Landfill near Timaru, he said.
‘‘Putting a whole lot of money up front and trying to duplicate what AB Lime and Taiko already do, and have already paid for the massive infrastructure for, may not be the best thing for Dunedin.’’
After the funding was allocated last year, council staff said landfill construction was planned for 2028-29.
Operation was planned from 2030, when consents for the existing Green Island landfill were expected to end.
The council has an agreement to transport waste to AB Lime if required before Smooth Hill opens.
The council did not respond to questions on the matter yesterday.
