The new tip is expected to cost rate payers $40 million and in preparation the council has set a series of hefty rate rises, sparking outrage in the town.

The current waste management facility was opened in early 1983, before the 'war on waste' became a worldwide movement.

Outdated, it is located too close to the Katherine River and is at capacity.

The council will need to stick to strict guidelines to close the current facility, but according to a report put forward at the Special Meeting of Council on Monday night, there will be minimal issues to consider.

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"The planning for the closure of the current landfill is progressing with stage two assessment indicating that there is negligible leachate and emission issues to consider," the report states.

"The assessment of a suitable site for establishing a new landfill is also progressing with geotechnical analysis being undertaken.

"Planning for the new landfill site and for transforming the current WMF into a waste transfer station is scheduled for 2019/20."

The council is planning to establish a Katherine Sustainability Reference Group moving forward, as council's managing sites are held to high environmental standards.

The group is expected to include a mix of government, industry and community members "to explore and advice the council on a range of environmental, economic and social sustainability issues."

"A standing sub-committee on waste management will be a priority," the report states.

"KTC is undertaking research to inform a review of the sustainability statement and the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan."

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