From Waste to Resource

I am delighted to introduce the Council's visionary "From Waste to Resource" draft Waste Plan 2023-2028.

Protecting our environment with innovative, cost-effective technology to eliminate current landfill problems was at the top of my election 10-point action plan and waste has been a huge focus for this council this year.

With a massive 63 per cent of council’s emissions coming from our landfill, it is incredibly important that we turn the tables on waste to reduce emissions and divert materials to landfill through strategies and changes in behaviours.

Notably, a significant portion—40 per cent—of the materials currently destined for landfills consist of compostable organic matter, including kitchen scraps disposed of in general waste bins.

A focal point of the Waste Plan is the reduction of organic material in landfills, and achieving this goal relies heavily on the active involvement of our community.

Waste management is one of the leading challenges facing every community. It is very much a shared responsibility and changing our perception of waste is at the heart of the draft plan.

A key motivator of the draft Waste Plan is our ambition to transition to a circular economy, one that capitalises on reusing and recycling waste to unlock economic prospects. By recognising waste as a valuable resource, we can deliver economic and environmental benefits to the community.

Furthermore, we're reinforcing our partnership with Gympie Council, collaborating under a Memorandum of Understanding to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions to waste management.

Nearly 80 per cent of Noosa's residents prioritise environmental preservation in waste management, with an additional 62 per cent emphasising source reduction as pivotal for securing a sustainable future.

In preparing the draft, council considered the 620 responses received during community consultation earlier this year and responded to the changes in the evolving waste industry.

Under the Queensland Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (the Act) all Queensland local governments are required to have a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan and this draft Waste Plan has been developed to align with Federal, State and South-East Queensland policies and plans.??

As the draft plan is released today for community review and input, I wholeheartedly encourage each resident to actively contribute their thoughts via the Council’s "You Say Noosa" website:?oursay.noosa.qld.gov.au?from Friday 18 August to 10 September.

In unity, we possess the ability to drive change that preserves the splendour of Noosa today and for generations yet to come.

Noosa Council