Gracemere residents show up to sort to save
Published on 22 September 2023
Gracemere residents gathered at the newly constructed Gracemere Waste Facility today, for an informative and interactive Waste Education Pop-up session.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said the event aimed to remind members of the community on the importance of responsible waste management and how ‘Sort to Save’ practices not only streamline the disposal process but also contributes to the reduction of landfill waste.
“We all play an important part in reducing the amount of waste we dispose of in the landfill, and we want to encourage our residents to put good waste management practices into play by sorting all waste, recoverable items and green waste before arriving at a waste facility,” Cr Latcham said.
“This method can be done by loading recoverable items like pre-loved household items, e-waste and empty paint tins into your car or trailer last, so that they can be dropped off at the waste facility first.
“This will not only save time but will also have a positive impact on the environment and likely reduce the overall cost of disposal.”
The new Gracemere Waste Facility was built on the former Fitzroy Shire landfill site and Councillor Latcham said this forms part of the ongoing strategies in place to achieve Rockhampton Regional Council’s zero waste commitment.
“Council has worked to progressively upgrade each of the region’s public waste facilities with Gracemere’s Allen Road facility being the final to receive a makeover,” Cr Latcham said.
“This is the largest rural waste facility overhaul in the Rockhampton Region to date and boasts new features including a Community Recycling Centre, a reuse shop, re-surfaced bitumen road access and visitor parking areas.
“The facility has been designed to make waste disposal more accessible and convenient for the community.
“We all play an important part in reducing the amount of waste we dispose of in the landfill, and residents will be able to drop off recoverable items and materials for free, just like at our other facilities around the Rockhampton Region.”
Divisional Councillor Ellen Smith said this major upgrade to the Gracemere Waste Facility has greatly improved the functionality of the site and residents will be thrilled with what the new facility has to offer.
“As the Gracemere community expands, so too has the demand for a better waste management service in this location,” Cr Smith said.
“This upgrade will provide a far more streamlined service for the community and its benefits extend to our rural residents as well because they can now use this facility as a one stop shop.
“This is a fantastic investment in the Gracemere community and a positive step forward in addressing the waste management challenge.”
The improved facility includes Megz Reuse Shop which is run by local businesswoman Meagan Best.
“I’m looking forward to operating this new facility and showing our community how we can give items a second life through reuse and upcycling practices,” Ms Best said.
Megz Reuse Shop is open 9am – 3pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Gracemere Waste Facility opening hours are:
Monday to Friday - 9am - 3pm
Saturday - 9am - 5pm
Sunday - 9am - 3pm
Visit here for more information on Council’s Landfill and Waste Facilities.