Six councils in Queensland have received government funding to work together on a plan for managing regional waste and resource recovery. Several local councils, including Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Bundaberg and Gympie, Fraser Coast, North Burnett, and South Burnett councils, are taking part in a programme that has received $300,000 in funding from the state government.

The plan details the necessary initiatives and infrastructure investments to efficiently provide coordinated services and decrease household landfill waste throughout the region. The plan additionally indicates various opportunities to redirect food waste away from landfills and towards organic processing, including through commercial and home composting initiatives and the creation of community composting hubs.

According to regional minister Bruce Saunders, participating councils will be implementing community education programmes that aim to reduce the contamination of recycling bins with food waste. The region’s 300,000 residents produce over 460,000 tonnes of waste annually.

Sustainability boost for residents

The Bundaberg Regional Council is currently conducting a trial of FOGO and free green waste disposal. According to the council, this initiative will enhance its commitment to sustainability and contribute to the local economy.

“The Regional Waste and Resource Recovery Management plan aligns with Bundaberg Regional Council’’s ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable future for our community,” Mayor Jack Dempsey said.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor, George Seymour, pointed out the importance of a regional plan in coordinating investment and education. The council’s current focus is on investing in a new materials recovery facility, which will contribute to the overall development of the region.

“We hope it will help provide a clearer pathway for regional communities like ours to secure funding for food organics and garden organics services,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Queensland Government to achieve the goals and targets set in the plan.”

Groundbreaking blueprint

Environment Minister Leanne Linard has praised the initiative as a significant advancement in helping regional councils modernize their waste management procedures and infrastructure.

“Resource recovery is essential in our drive for environmental sustainability, embodying the principles of a circular economy by reusing, recycling, and re-purposing materials and energy sources, thereby reducing waste generation and conserving valuable resources,” she said in a statement.

“This not only reduces the strain on our finite resources but also minimises the sometimes harmful environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.”

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

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Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.

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