Council endorses Resource Recovery Strategy

Published on 28 June 2023

This week Rockhampton Regional Council has taken another important step in advancing the region’s target of zero waste by 2040, after officially adopting the Resource Recovery Strategy.

The strategy was endorsed following a compulsory three year review of the Rockhampton Regional Council Waste Strategy 2020-2030, which was previously adopted in 2019.

Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said that this plan will help guide the strategic direction of waste management in the region and seeks to address some of the key challenges faced now and in the future.

“In March we asked the community to have their say on the strategy and we are thrilled to present this adopted document,” Councillor Latcham said.

“Our vision is very clear - we will become a zero waste community by 2040, and the Resource Recovery Strategy will guide us in achieving this goal.

“This strategy outlines Council’s long-term goals for the management of waste in our region and Council is committed to aligning with both national and state policies that support the move towards zero waste and net zero emissions.

“A significant change in this revised strategy is bringing forward our zero waste target to 2040 rather than 2050, which better aligns with our existing landfill capacity.

“The biggest challenge in delivering this ambitious outcome will be finding a financially viable solution for the residual mixed waste.

“This is no easy challenge, but I’m hopeful we can navigate towards a zero waste future together as a community.

“Our key priorities are empowering the community to embrace the principles of a circular economy, maximising resource recovery opportunities and creating an environment in which a circular economy can thrive.

“As a community we can no longer think in terms of waste, rather we need to think in terms of resources and how those resources can be returned into productive use over and again.

“Since the first waste strategy was adopted 3 years ago, we have made significant progress toward reaching our zero waste goal, including capturing landfill gas at the Lakes Creek Road site, installing the second ever polystyrene processing facility in Queensland, introducing solar panel diversion and the roll out of the FOGO trial.

“Although we still have a journey ahead of us, I’m confident that with regulatory support and the right funding we will continue to make significant progress and meet our key zero waste targets.

“The community deserves to enjoy this beautiful region, and that’s why I encourage each of you to familiarise yourself with the Resource Recovery Strategy as we embrace the principles of a circular economy.”

Read the Resource Recovery Strategy here: https://bit.ly/3JwdRe5