Ten councils in Queensland's North-West have joined forces to implement a new regional waste and resource recovery management plan to modernise waste services and promote sustainable recycling practices across the region.
The ten participating councils, including Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond, Mt Isa City and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council (DASC), cover an area of approximately 380,000 square kilometres and have a population of approximately 30,000, and are committed to addressing local challenges such as landfill capacity constraints, waste legacy issues and minimal diversion from landfill.
The plan outlines a number of initiatives, including the mapping of abandoned vehicles, the introduction of food and garden organics (FOGO) collection services, the closure and capping of landfills and the organisation of regional waste contracting arrangements. It also emphasises equipment sharing and mobile operations across council boundaries to optimise resources.
Supported by a $300,000 grant from the Miles Government, the plan represents a significant step towards achieving a zero waste society by 2050. It also aligns with the Government's commitment to invest in waste management infrastructure and promote environmental and economic sustainability in regional areas.
The development of the plan underlines a collaborative effort to address waste management challenges, paving the way for innovative solutions and improved waste management practices in North-West Queensland.