Ipswich City Council, Queensland, has adopted a new strategic and operational approach to managing and influencing systemic changes across waste, resource recovery and the circular economy.
The Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive marks a significant and positive step forward on waste industry impacts and opportunities for the Ipswich local government area, which disposed 55 percent of South East Queensland’s and 42 percent of the State’s waste last year.
The directive outlines 10 guiding principles that will inform Council’s strategic and operational activities over the coming years and provides a platform for a concerted and coordinated effort across waste, resource recovery, recycling and the circular economy.
Mayor, Teresa Harding said, “In 2018-19, the eight privately owned and operated landfills located in Ipswich received approximately 4.23 million tonnes of all waste generated by Queenslanders, and our community received little or no benefit.”
As at 30 November 2020, the State Government’s Odour Abatement Taskforce had received 8517 complaints in relation to odour, dust and environmental issues in the Swanbank Industrial Area. This highlights the significant impact to residents.
“Waste disposal issues in our region are long-running and well known to our stakeholders. At the same time, the evidence base is building for the economic and environmental benefits of the circular economy model.”
The State Government has committed to establishing a joint-taskforce after Council raised a range of issues with previous Environment Minister, Leeanne Enoch.
“We very much look forward to working with the newly appointed Minister for Environment, Meaghan Scanlon to lift industry performance and improve outcomes for the people of Ipswich.
“Our directive signals that it’s time for all stakeholders to take action.
“Council is willing and ready to collaborate, but other levels of government and industry need to step-up if we are to address the impacts and opportunities of the waste industry’s operations once and for all.”
