Have your say on Council’s Draft Resource Recovery Strategy
Published on 22 March 2023
Rockhampton Regional Council is asking the community to have their say on its Draft Resource Recovery Strategy.
The Rockhampton Regional Council Waste Strategy 2020 -2030, adopted in 2019, was recently rigorously reviewed as part of the state legislative requirement to undergo this process every three years.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said that this has been an undertaking that has highlighted some of the great progress achieved but also some of the significant challenges faced by Council and the community in the coming decade and beyond.
“One of the most significant changes to this strategy is the need to bring our target of reaching zero waste, or 90% of waste being diverted from landfill, forward ten years from 2050 to 2040,” Councillor Latcham said.
“The position from all levels of government is clear– our communities, our states and our nation must embrace the principles of a circular economy.
“We must adapt our way of thinking to view waste as a valuable resource that can be returned to productive use time and time again – if we are to achieve this new target.
“Over the past 3 years since the first waste strategy was adopted, we have made some significant progress toward our goal of reaching zero waste.
“Capturing the landfill gas at the Lakes Creek Road site, installing the second ever polystyrene processing facility in Queensland, the introduction of solar panel conversion and the roll out of the FOGO trial are a few of our successes – but we have a long way to go.
“Over the past three years, we have seen an increase in the amount of waste going to landfill and we are yet to see investment in resource recovery infrastructure here in our region.
“The Draft Resource Recovery Strategy seeks to address some of the challenges we face as we refocus our attention toward a target of zero waste by 2040.
“It recognises that a collective effort is required from each and every one of us!
“We need to challenge our ideas around consumption and embrace the concepts of a circular economy.
“It’s’ about cherishing what we already have and creating value out of what we no longer need.
“And, while we face this challenge together, we remain optimistic and that with the right funding and regulatory support we can achieve our zero waste target.
“We are really encouraging everyone to have their say on this strategy with a view to the future of our beautiful region that we are fortunate to enjoy.”
Have your say on the Draft Resource Recovery Strategy here: https://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/
Consultation closes 11 April 2023