More wins in city’s waste reform journey
01 December 2023
Major work on the reformation of Ipswich’s approach to the waste industry is continuing under Ipswich City Council’s Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said a report to the committee on Tuesday confirmed Ipswich City Council’s efforts to lead waste industry reform are paying off.
“Council’s three-year-old Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive is leading the way in reforming how we manage the waste and recycling industry in our city,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council is continuing our work in the waste management space through a review of the Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive, which is due back to council in early 2024.
“Council has recently undertaken Planning and Environment Court action against NuGrow over alleged non-compliance with its planning approvals.
“We’ve had significant legal wins in recent months against waste companies Wanless, Lantrak and Cleanaway, preventing the establishment of new or expanded landfills in Ipswich.
“A Joint Taskforce consisting of council and relevant state representatives also meets regularly, most recently discussing the outcomes of the Environmental Protection Act regulatory review of which Ipswich City Council provided a submission.
“We are the first council in the city’s recent history to take the waste concerns raised by our community seriously, and I am proud that we are continuing to make progress on this important issue.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said work on the directive has been shaped by the draft Ipswich Planning Scheme, which includes a new Resource Recovery and Waste Activity Code.
“The Waste and Circular Economy Transformation Directive prioritises the protection of the health and wellbeing of our community and environment, the liveability of our city, and the future vibrancy of our economy,” Cr Tully said.
“Council was pleased to see the Environmental Protection Act regulatory review accepted by the State Government, which could significantly improve the powers and penalties available to the Regulator in the interests of public health.
“Incorporating updated codes in our draft Planning Scheme is another major step in managing our city’s waste industry and economy.
“Council has also developed a Shape Your Ipswich page that provides a wealth of detail on waste and odour issues for residents to explore and understand.
“We will continue to work toward a future for Ipswich that is free of odours and confident in how we manage and support our waste industries.”
The Shape Your Ipswich page for residents is available at www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/waste-odours-ipswich.