February 23, 2015
The South Burnett Regional Council released the first draft of its new Waste Management Plan for public consultation today.
The plan is the first of its type since the Council mergers of 2008.
It looks at the history of waste collection in the region pre- and post-amalgamation, as well as future options for processing the South Burnett’s waste.
The plan covers the next seven years during which the Council proposes to close minor landfills – many of which are already at capacity or will soon reach it – in favour of transfer stations.
Further into the future, it suggests transitioning to larger regional landfills and possibly even a single “super landfill”.
The plan has provisions to address waste avoidance, waste reduction and recycling, while also concentrating on waste collection, treatment, resource recovery and disposal.
“This plan has been developed after an extensive review of the existing waste management situation, as well as the regulatory environment in which the South Burnett Regional Council’s waste services exist,” Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said.
In 2013 the Council estimated the cost of developing a new landfill site at about $6 million.
It looked at introducing a kerbside recycling service, which it believed would double the life of existing landfills.
But it shelved the idea after receiving feedback that while most residents agreed with recycling, few were willing to pay the estimated $80 extra annual cost of having such a service.
Waste Management Portfolio leader Cr Kathy Duff said the Waste Management Plan would be open for public comment until the close of business on Monday, March 23.
“We are encouraging all residents to view a copy of the plan and provide their feedback,” she said.
A copy of the 69-page document can be downloaded from the Council’s website
Copies are also available from SBRC Customer Contact Centres and libraries.
Submissions should be made in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, South Burnett Regional Council, PO Box 336, Kingaroy, 4610.
Further information about the plan can be obtained from Council’s Environmental Health Officer Julie Pass on (07) 4189-9330.
