2015-08-24 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   24 AUGUST 2015




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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                                    24 AUGUST 2015

               ¢  Aligns Noosa with National trends towards collection of organic waste, with FOGO systems
                   adopted by 29 councils in NSW, 30 councils in Victoria and many councils in Adelaide.

               2. The Jury recommends that the Council stage the cost to ratepayers and
                  ensure the total increase in cost does not exceed $50 per ratepayer for
                  the introduction of green waste collection and $70 per ratepayer for the
                  collection of all organics. Council must look to minimise the cost to
                   ratepayers by off-setting costs through the sale of compost.
                   BENEFITS
                   ¢ = Affordability

               3. Council to move to fortnightly collection of general waste bins once full
                  organic collection is introduced
                  The volume of waste collected in general waste bins is expected to reduce significantly once
                  organic matter is removed from the waste destined for landfill. Because of this, Noosa Council
                   should reduce the frequency of collection for general waste bins from weekly to fortnightly.
                   Unfortunately, collection of general waste is a regulated activity in Queensland. The Jury
                   recommends that Noosa Council request a legislative amendment from the Queensland
                   Government so that it can adopt fortnightly collection of general waste.
                   BENEFITS
                   ¢  Alignment with best practice
                   ¢  Reduction of costs
                   *  Establishing a routine for the introduction of weekly organic collection

               4. Construct a composting system at the Eumundi Road Landfill Site (or
                  another suitable site) that is best suited to Noosa Council, following an
                   independent cost-benefit analysis
                  The Jury urges Noosa Council to select an efficient technical solution for processing organic waste
                   in a way that is cost-effective and results in minimal methane production. The solution must also
                   produce high quality, marketable compost that can be sold for a higher price. The Jury notes that
                   MRA Consulting has offered to conduct a cost benefit analysis of available technologies for a
                   reduced fee.

                   Independent experts to certify quality
                  Council should obtain independent certification of compost produced at the Eumundi facility (or
                  another suitable site) to ensure it meets Australian standards. To achieve this, Council should
                   implement, monitor and refine an auditing system with samples regularly tested for quality.

                  Council to secure customers
                   Noosa Council should contact commercial compost retailers to identify potential markets and
                   secure customers for its mulch and compost before weekly organics collection begins. Foundation
                  customers should include Noosa Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service who have an
                  enormous need for high quality compost in their respective operations.
                   BENEFITS

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