INVEST TO TRANSFORM QUEENSLAND’S WASTE INDUSTRY INTO AN INNOVATIVE, EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The waste industry has expanded significantly in Ipswich through landfill developments, without due consideration of the impacts on residents, or the future outlook of South East Queensland and Queensland waste policy and strategy.

In 2019/20, Ipswich received 42 per cent, or 4.23 million tonnes, of Queensland’s waste with little to no community benefit. There is an urgent need for intervention to ensure an efficient, sustainable, productive waste and circular economy section in Queensland.

Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Factsheet (PDF, 116.5 KB)

COMMITMENT REQUIRED

Partner with the Queensland Government to expedite the introduction of legislation to compel waste operators to in-vessel the composting of organic waste.

About Waste and Circular Economy Transformation

Why is this project important?

Benefits to Ipswich:

  • Economic innovation and opportunities
  • Improved environmental outcomes
  • Improved residential amenity
  • New employment opportunities.

If we do nothing:

  • Ipswich continues to receive disproportionate amounts of waste
  • Liveability and amenity increasingly impacted
  • Negative environmental outcomes
  • Reduced health and wellbeing outcomes.

Success to date

Council adopted the Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive to drive best practice, collaborate with industry and government, and secure positive outcomes for the community. More information on this Directive is available here: https://www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/waste-circular-economy

As part of the implementation of this directive, council established the Joint Taskforce with the Queensland Government to facilitate cross-government collaboration and has dedicated internal resources.

What's next

Council is requesting commitment for a comprehensive review and reform of waste and water recovery policy and infrastructure, to deliver a waste industry transformation plan that minimises community impact and creates new economic opportunities.

Partner with the Queensland Government to expedite the introduction of legislation to compel waste operators to in-vessel the composting of organic waste.

Progress the waste sector priorities under the SEQ City Deal.