The Sunshine Landfill in Melbourne's western suburb of Kealba, which has been plagued by underground spot fires since 2019, is set to close permanently. Barro Group, which has operated the landfill on the banks of the Maribyrnong River since 2015, announced in April 2026 that it would voluntarily surrender its operating licence.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) revealed at a community meeting this week that it has revoked Barro Group's operating licence, stating, "landfill operations at the site will now permanently cease." The EPA had taken strong regulatory action last December, notifying the duty holder of its intention to suspend the licence due to concerns that Barro Group was unable to effectively manage risks to the community arising from landfill operations.

Residents have reported thousands of pollution complaints over the years, describing smells ranging from burning waste to chemical fertiliser and rotten eggs. Since the fires were detected, Barro Group has not accepted new rubbish and has failed to meet several EPA clean-up notices.

Barro Group managing director Raymond Barro described the decision to surrender the licence as "an important decision for us, and we hope the community see it for what it is — a show of good faith in rebuilding our relationship with our neighbours, the community and stakeholders."

Brimbank City Council mayor Virginia Tachos welcomed the EPA's decision, calling it "really, really welcome news after such a frustrating and exhausting fight," and credited the community's hard work for the closure. The council looks forward to discussing alternative plans for the site with Barro Group.

Sources