In the alpine hub of Cooma and its surrounds, a remarkable transformation is underway – one that involves not just waste disposal, but a commitment to environmental sustainability.
FOGO, an acronym that previously raised confused eyebrows, is becoming a household term thanks to the dedicated efforts of Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) and its proactive engagement plan – delivered in collaboration with council’s education, waste collection and waste facilities teams.
FOGO, which stands for Food Organics and Garden Organics, has received a facelift that not only clarifies its purpose but also fosters community involvement and joint responsibility.
Clearing the air: Addressing confusion
The first step towards this transformation was addressing the widespread confusion surrounding FOGO. Many community members were uncertain about the concept, its implications, and the proper practices to follow. This uncertainty resulted in contamination, which hindered the effectiveness and increased the costs of the FOGO initiative. Council took this challenge head-on and turned it into an opportunity for education and engagement.
Council adopted a multifaceted approach to combat confusion and contamination. A series of guides delivered to households provided simple yet comprehensive information about what goes into the FOGO bin, and what doesn’t. Positive reinforcement came in the form of congratulatory flyers, acknowledging households that consistently adhered to FOGO guidelines.
Bridging the gap: Hands-on engagement
To better understand the dynamics of FOGO implementation, council’s education engagement officer Aimee Moy went the extra mile – quite literally. She hopped onto the FOGO collection trucks, gaining insight into the challenges faced by the waste management team during collection runs. This hands-on approach extended to engaging with the community directly, spreading the word about FOGO through pop-up events on Cooma’s bustling main street and at local markets.
Empowering through education: From young to old
Education emerged as a cornerstone of the FOGO engagement plan. Book readings at the library made little evangelists of our youngest residents, instilling in them the importance of responsible waste management from an early age. Preschool and primary school children also benefited from dedicated FOGO and compost education sessions, ensuring that the next generation grows up with an understanding and appreciation of sustainability.
Unity in communication: A cohesive FOGO identity
Recognising that existing suite of communication and education materials were not up to the task, Ms Moy oversaw a complete overhaul of FOGO collateral. From council’s website and social media platforms to letters and flyers, a consistent and recognisable FOGO identity emerged. This visual transformation has not only enhanced engagement, but also established FOGO as a recognisable and respected community initiative.
Progress in real-time: Transparent impact
A crucial aspect of the revitalised FOGO engagement plan is transparency. By developing an “impact bar” on the official website, community members will be able to witness their contributions in real-time – once the feature is launched. This innovative feature not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also highlights the collective impact on waste reduction and environmental preservation.
FOGO’s ripple effect: Beyond Cooma
Cooma’s efforts in redefining FOGO extend beyond its immediate borders. By partnering with neighbouring communities and the area’s large employers – as well as integrating new residents in the region through comprehensive on-boarding – the lessons learned here will serve as the foundation of the wider regional rollout of FOGO across the Snowy Monaro in coming years.
Beyond waste: Investing in the circular economy
SMRC’s FOGO initiative embodies a commitment to the environment by minimising methane generation from organic waste in landfills. By emphasising its recyclability and potential to contribute to the circular economy, council showcases how investing in FOGO is an investment in a sustainable future. The end product – Coompost – is our home-grown compost product, available for low rates at council’s landfill facilities in Cooma and Jindabyne.
Celebrating success and planning ahead
As FOGO gains traction and contamination decreases, council is committed to acknowledging the community’s achievements. Celebrating wins, however small, helps to maintain momentum and reinforces the community’s role in this ongoing environmental endeavour. Cooma’s efforts are invaluable for planning the wider rollout of FOGO initiatives across the Snowy Monaro, with the town serving as a blueprint for our region’s other towns and villages to follow.
Cooma’s journey with FOGO serves as a testament to the power of local government engagement in fostering positive change. Through education, transparency, and proactive community partnership, FOGO has overcome confusion to become a symbol of responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. As the town looks forward to a greener future, it invites the wider Snowy Monaro to join the cause and embrace the potential of FOGO.
